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<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-10/yum2024_recipe_for_good_growth_MASTER.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

<a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/news/press-releases/yum+brands+continues+to+make+progress+on+carbon+reduction+packaging+and+equality" target="_blank">Yum! Brands</a>

LOUISVILLE, Ky., October 8, 2024 /CSRwire/ - Today, Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) released its annual <a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/e0b6e0c9-8762-4d1f-95ee-64f6ea0569a5/R4GG+2023+FINAL.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&amp;CVID=p9ERNrJ" target="_blank">Global Citizenship &amp; Sustainability Report</a>, detailing its advancements in reducing carbon emissions, improving packaging and removing barriers. The Company has a longstanding dedication to responsible business practices, investing strategically in its three priority pillars of People, Food and Planet, which are part of its Good Growth strategy. The strategy is grounded on the idea that the Good priorities and the Growth priorities are closely intertwined and enablers of one another.

“In 2023, we experienced a year of remarkable growth and remained focused on greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable packaging and having a positive community impact,” said Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs. “Our Good Growth strategy has propelled our sales and restaurant development, which allows us to invest more in areas like renewable energy, supplier pilot programs and technical training for at-risk youth in our communities – the Growth advances the Good.”
<img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0745d7c-1a8a-450f-9e01-15543d495175" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GOOD_YUM_10824.png" class="align-center" width="301" height="151" loading="lazy" />This report highlights Yum!’s key accomplishments toward building a more sustainable and equitable world, which has led to its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, recognition as one of TIME Magazine's Best Companies for Future Leaders and named to the USA Today's 2023 America's Climate Leaders list.

"We made significant progress in 2023 across our global citizenship and sustainability agenda, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead,” said Yum! Brands Chief Government Affairs &amp; Sustainability Officer Jon Hixson. “We believe in the power of collaboration to make positive change, and we continue to work closely with our stakeholders and partners to develop innovative solutions and share learnings that drive advancements."

Highlights from Yum!’s new Global Citizenship &amp; Sustainability Report include:

People

<ul><li>– In 2023, 44% of global corporate leadership roles were held by women, up from the 2018 baseline of 33%.</li>
	<li>– In 2023, over 7,100 restaurant general managers and assistant restaurant general managers on six continents completed Leading With Heart through Heartstyles, Yum!’s signature leadership and personal development program.</li>
	<li>– Since 2020, Yum! has reached 204,000 people and utilized and/or committed $71 million of funding for over 30 community impact programs designed to remove barriers through its Unlocking Opportunity Initiative.</li>
</ul>Food

<ul><li>– In 2023, over 70% of Yum!-approved suppliers achieved Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification.</li>
	<li>– Sourced over 90% cage-free eggs for the 25,000 restaurants with a 2026 goal.</li>
	<li>– Endorsed the Antimicrobial Use Stewardship Principles in Poultry, supporting an initiative that includes over 40% of global poultry meat production.</li>
</ul>Planet

<ul><li>– On track to achieve Yum!’s 2030 emission reduction goals across both Scopes 1 and 2, as well as Scope 3 as it relates to energy emissions from franchisee-owned restaurants.</li>
	<li>– Advanced Yum!’s sustainable supply chain work with KFC Europe committing to source 100% sustainable soy by 2025 and Pizza Hut decreasing emissions by 10% in the milk used for its cheese by improving cattle feed.</li>
	<li>– Invested in sustainable packaging and infrastructure with Taco Bell expanding its recycling program with TerraCycle beyond its own sauce packets and Habit Burger &amp; Grill reducing paper usage with new takeout bags.</li>
</ul>For more information and to view Yum! Brands’ latest Global Citizenship &amp; Sustainability Report visit <a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/impact/" target="_blank">www.yum.com/impact</a>.

About Yum! Brands, Inc.

Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of over 59,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company’s concepts – KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger &amp; Grill. The Company's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-style food, and pizza categories, respectively. The Habit Burger &amp; Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. In 2024, CDP, a global organization that runs a leading sustainability disclosure program, ranked Yum! with Climate Change and Water Security scores of A-, and all of Yum!’s CDP scores were a B or higher. Yum! was also named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, and the company was recognized among TIME Magazine’s list of Best Companies for Future Leaders, Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies and USA Today’s America’s Climate Leaders. Yum! also received widespread recognition in 2023, including being listed on the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index; and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity. In addition, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands were ranked in the top five of Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises Ranking for 2023.

Yum! Brands Continues To Make Progress on Reducing Carbon, Improving Packaging and Removing Barriers

<img alt="On a dark surface, many different vegetables, some chopped up finely." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c214e8d-2a59-4fb4-89c5-e861609729fd" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/foodwaste_lasvegassands_100224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.sands.com/news/sands-pursues-comprehensive-methods-to-reduce-food/" target="_blank">Published by Las Vegas Sands on September 24, 2024</a>

On September 29, the United Nations observes <a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-food-waste-day" rel="noopener" target="_blank">International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Reduction 2024</a>, which supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goal 12 focusing on responsible consumption and production. The day aims to raise awareness and inspire action to reduce food waste and loss, and improve sustainability in the world’s food production systems.

Food loss is a significant issue, as the U.N. estimates 13.2% of food produced globally is lost between harvest and retail, and 19% of total global food production is wasted in households, food service and retail venues, representing multiple tons of edible food going to waste. Making the issue even more critical, the U.N. also estimates the number of people affected by hunger has risen steadily since 2014.

Reducing food waste is a core focus area of the Sands ECO360 global sustainability program and a key part of Sands’ overall priority on managing waste. The company aims to achieve a 25% reduction in food waste by 2025.

“Food represents one of our most significant waste streams, and managing food waste is a top priority,” Katarina Tesarova, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, said. “Over the past year, we made significant progress in advancing toward our 2025 food waste reduction target through a variety of prevention, rescue and diversion programs.”

Sands’ commitment to addressing food waste focuses on two primary goals: minimizing food going to landfill and maximizing the value of food produced. To execute on these priorities, the company employs technology, processes, training and engagement, and measurement as key tools for managing the food life cycle.

Engaging Stakeholders

Sands’ food waste reduction strategy encompasses working with a variety of groups. To address food waste generated in Team Member dining rooms, Sands China improved processes to better handle food waste by rearranging sorting bins, and Marina Bay Sands upgraded tray cleaning and food sorting methods.

The regions also conducted Team Member education and engagement campaigns. Marina Bay Sands held a Food Waste Awareness Day and the Just Enough Challenge, while Sands China continued its quarterly plate waste challenge, which incentivizes food waste reduction by encouraging appropriate portion selections in Team Member dining rooms.

In addition, Sands’ resorts work with restaurant partners to responsibly handle food waste. At Marina Bay Sands, efforts include engaging with food court tenants to capture food waste in meal preparation, providing a coffee ground collection system and conducting engagement programs with leased outlets that produce food waste.

In Macao, Sands China has worked with restaurant partners at The Venetian® Macao and The Londoner Macao® to establish waste collection and disposal systems using the company’s food digesters.

Preventing Waste Through Alternative Uses

Another key reduction strategy is diverting usable food from going into waste streams by repurposing it in different methods. For example, Sands’ resorts partner with community organizations that help alleviate food insecurity for disadvantaged people.

Marina Bay Sands works with The Food Bank Singapore, and Sands China supports the Macau ECOnscious Community Fridge Project to provide regular donations of surplus food from catering operations and in-house kitchens. In 2023, Sands’ resorts donated over 9,000 kilograms of unserved food and 86,900 kilograms in total since 2014.

At the company’s Las Vegas headquarters, food waste from the Team Member café is segregated and diverted to a pig farm for alternate uses.

Accelerating to Zero Food Waste in Singapore

In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands is pursuing a multi-year program to divert 100% of its food waste. The resort has worked with more than 30 company-owned food and beverage outlets to understand kitchen operational challenges, improve accessibility to food waste bins, and increase dialogue and collaboration around food waste.

Building on these efforts, Marina Bay Sands introduced a monthly waste profiles program for 17 food and beverage outlets last year. The team conducted random sampling to capture daily food waste percentages, and monthly trend reports provided insights, encouraging responsibility around waste processing. After the program’s initiation, food waste diversion increased from 33% in January 2023 to 54% in December 2023.

Tackling Food Waste Challenges

Since returning to normal business levels in 2023, Sands’ resorts have generated more food waste, requiring new approaches to address the increase in volume. For example, when The Parisian Macao® reopened the Le Buffet restaurant in 2023, the introduction of fresh coconut juice generated 3,000 used coconut shells per week – nearly 5% of the property’s food waste.

In exploring solutions, Sands China conducted trials to repurpose shells as mulch for landscaping. The team worked with local vendors that provided various mechanisms to process coconuts into small pieces for shredding into mulch.

Though trials determined the potential to produce significant amounts of mulch annually, the mulch bags provided to the landscaping team were much lighter than typical mulch, resulting in a higher re-fill rate. Sands China continues to work with vendors to explore mulching options, as well as opportunities to convert coconuts into other products that could be repurposed in its operations.

“We continually face new challenges and opportunities in our ongoing efforts to reduce food waste, but the multifaceted efforts we are pursuing have resulted in significant progress toward our 2025 target,” Tesarova said. “We also continually set new targets that stretch our impact, so our food waste program is an ongoing quest to do and achieve more through the core tenets of stakeholder engagement, innovation in our solutions and diligence in our processes.”

To learn about Sands’ other strategies to reduce waste and address environmental priorities, read the company’s 2023 ESG Report: <a href="https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/</a>.

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Reduction 2024: Sands Pursues Comprehensive Methods To Reduce Food Waste

<img alt="Two people in a small boat lifting a large fish out of the water with a net." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc61e369-2e29-4601-9a54-23cff7596cea" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/wildlife_tmobile_100224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="640" loading="lazy" />BELLEVUE, Wash. and CHARLES CITY, Va., October 4, 2024 /CSRwire/ - The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rice Rivers Center is using the power of 5G to transform conservation for the federally endangered Atlantic sturgeon. Today, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) announced that VCU Rice Rivers Center is using T-Mobile 5G to protect this prehistoric species, while setting a new benchmark for environmental preservation along the James River.

Once fished to near extinction, the James River sturgeon population near Richmond, Virginia, still faces an ongoing threat from power plant cooling water intake systems. But thanks to advancements in tracking technology using telemetry receivers, particularly with tagged female sturgeon, the Center can notify the plant when these fish enter their spawning habitat to lay eggs. This allows the plant to decrease or stop water intake, helping safeguard this vulnerable species.
<img alt="Close up of a baby sturgeon on a gloved hand." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85420dd5-3862-4768-81d4-25b1b5159574" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sturgeon_tmobile_100224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="512" loading="lazy" />T-Mobile’s <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-network-awards" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">award-winning</a> 5G network plays a pivotal role in the Center’s conservation efforts by linking acoustic receivers to an aquatic hub, enabling real-time tracking of sturgeon movements, even in remote areas of the James River. Additionally, T-Mobile’s IoT Control Center empowers VCU to streamline SIM card management in the receivers, optimizing data transmission, reporting and device oversight. These capabilities enhance both research accuracy and operational efficiency for more impactful conservation outcomes.

“The work we’re doing with T-Mobile has digitally transformed how we protect the endangered Atlantic sturgeon,” said Matt Balazik, Ph.D., Research Faculty, VCU Rice Rivers Center. “Real-time data allows us to make critical, well-informed decisions that directly safeguard the species, while also educating the next generation of environmental stewards.”

“At T-Mobile, we believe in the power of technology to create powerful outcomes, and our collaboration with VCU is a perfect example of that,” said George Fischer, SVP of Sales, T-Mobile Business Group. “By powering secure real-time data transmission, we’re helping to safeguard critical habitats and educate future generations. Together, we’re setting a new standard for environmental sustainability and ensuring that these ancient fish thrive in the James River for years to come.”

Enhancing Education and Outreach

The Center’s project, currently the largest real-time acoustic telemetry system on the East Coast of the U.S., is making a global impact. To offer a model for conservation that can be widely adopted, the Center showcases its telemetry data to researchers worldwide, including at institutions like the ZSL (Zoological Society of London), as well as local schools, where students are introduced to conservation efforts through live demonstrations of sturgeon-tracking data.

VCU is also developing a website that will allow students and educators to access past telemetry data, incorporating it into lesson plans and projects. This initiative will provide all schools with the ability to contribute to the growing field of environmental research.

Looking to the Future with AI

The Center is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data and predict sturgeon movements more accurately. While current predictions can only forecast a day or two in advance, future AI developments could give power companies additional time to adjust water intake flows and better protect the sturgeon population.

This forward-looking approach, connected by T-Mobile, ensures the project will continue to evolve, further helping to protect the sturgeon’s future in the James River.

To learn more about the VCU Rice Rivers Center, go to: <a href="https://ricerivers.vcu.edu/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.ricerivers.vcu.edu</a>

For more information about T-Mobile IoT, visit <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/iot" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/iot</a>

Follow <a href="https://x.com/TMobileNews" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">@TMobileNews</a> on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date with the latest company news.

# # #

See 5G device, coverage, &amp; access details at T-Mobile.com.

About VCU Rice Rivers Center

The VCU Rice Rivers Center, part of <a href="https://lifesciences.vcu.edu/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">VCU Life Sciences</a>, is VCU’s River Campus, supporting scholarship and student instruction across diverse disciplines, including water resources, climate science, wildlife conservation and wetlands restoration.

Located midway between Richmond and Williamsburg, Va., along the historic James River, America's founding river, our 360 acres of riparian marshes, tidal creeks and mature forests represent a unique outdoor laboratory for important applied research and innovative, experiential classes.

The center’s modern <a href="https://ricerivers.vcu.edu/facilities/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">facilities</a> offer offices, classrooms, laboratories and overnight lodging for students, faculty, visiting scholars and community groups. State-of-the-art technologies are deployed onsite to collect information on air and water quality, fish and avian migrations, changing sea levels, and a host of other critical data sources. Our ongoing partnerships with state and federal natural resource and earth science agencies provide significant training opportunities for student scholars.

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.t-mobile.com</a>

Virginia Commonwealth University Taps T-Mobile To Help Protect Endangered Species

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6408f4c-f5aa-4bf0-8366-4532f934b02b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/students_duke_092424kh4.jpeg" width="640" height="560" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Duke Energy's laptop donation stands to benefit students at 10 historically Black colleges and universities in North Carolina.</figcaption></figure>As a new school year kicks off, freshmen at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) are receiving more than just a warm welcome – they're getting a critical tool for their academic success. On Sept. 9, Duke Energy volunteers handed out laptops to 225 students who arrived on campus without one.

This initiative is part of a partnership with E2D, short for <a href="https://www.e-2-d.org/partners" target="_blank" title="Eliminate the Digital Divide">Eliminate the Digital Divide</a>, a Charlotte, N.C., nonprofit that refurbishes donated laptops in student-led technology labs and distributes them to those in need. With help from Duke Energy and other corporate sponsors, E2D has distributed at least 48,000 computers since 2013.

The company’s recent pledge of more than 16,000 laptops over three years will enable E2D to further close the opportunity gap between those who have computers and those who do not. These devices will be distributed to 10 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across North Carolina.

“With Duke Energy’s commitment to donating laptops and volunteer hours, we’ll be bridging the digital divide for a much larger swath of the state,” said E2D President Pat Millen.

Closing the digital divide

College students without a laptop face significant disadvantages, including limited access to online resources and a lack of flexibility in their study environment. These issues can lead to increased stress and negatively impact their academic performance.

Receiving a laptop can have a profound and immediate impact on students without one, said John Oliver, Ph.D., project manager of JCSU’s Charlotte’s Inclusive Tech-Innovation Project (CITIP).

“The joy on students’ faces when they receive their laptops speaks volumes about the difference this program is making,” Oliver said. “Many express their shock and appreciation that someone they’ve never met is thoughtful enough to provide them with this vital resource.”

Duke Energy’s involvement with E2D began five years ago when Dominique Johnson, vice president of the <a href="https://illumination.duke-energy.com/articles/duke-energy-foundation-powers-positive-change-over-40-years" target="_blank" title="Duke Energy Foundation">Duke Energy Foundation</a>, connected with Millen at a Charlotte event. She was immediately struck by the potential of E2D’s mission, which aligns with the Foundation’s long-standing focus on economic mobility and STEM education.

“College is hard even when you do have the resources,” she said. “Some of these students were doing schoolwork on their phones.”

Johnson found an ally in Duke Energy’s Mark Cook, managing director of IT infrastructure, operations and CIOPS. As someone who started his IT career providing help desk (and desk-side) support, he understands the imperative of working technology. Cook and his team navigated internal processes to enable laptop donations to E2D, which paved the way for a commitment of more than 16,000 computers over three years.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99a0ae02-9a65-45c9-84c9-92f357368fbc" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/students_duke_092424kh2.jpeg" width="640" height="560" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>E2D partnered with Duke Energy to distribute free laptops to first year and transfer students at Johnson C. Smith University.</figcaption></figure>Equipping students with the tools to succeed

The need for this initiative was underscored in 2023 when over a third of JCSU’s students arrived on campus without a personal laptop. Within three weeks of learning about the situation, E2D identified the students in need and distributed laptops, ensuring that these students had the tools they required to succeed.

To assess whether JCSU’s situation was unique, E2D hired a staff member to survey other HBCUs in the state. The findings were clear – almost every school faced similar challenges.

This realization spurred Duke Energy to broaden its support, integrating the program into its broader mission of promoting economic mobility, climate resilience, and opportunity and inclusion.

In 2021, the city of Charlotte, under Mayor Vi Lyles’ leadership, launched the <a href="https://www.equityclt.org/" target="_blank" title="Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative">Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative</a> – a $250 million effort to address systemic inequities. One of the key goals is bridging the digital divide, a mission that E2D is advancing with help from corporate sponsors.

Beyond laptops, E2D also provides workforce opportunities by hiring young staff, many from Title I high schools, to refurbish the laptops, equipping them with tech skills and a paying job. 

“These high schoolers are in the lab, learning valuable STEM skills that will be relevant across industries, all while earning more than minimum wage,” Johnson noted.

Millen hopes Duke Energy’s leadership in this space will inspire other corporations to follow suit.

“We’re leveraging Duke Energy’s example to encourage other companies to join this effort,” he said. “Duke is setting a new standard for corporate responsibility in North Carolina.”

Looking ahead, Millen is optimistic. “The goal is that everyone who needs a computer gets one. And that’s not just wishful thinking – it’s something we can achieve in the next five to 10 years. Every computer we provide could be the one that changes someone’s life forever.”

<a href="https://illumination.duke-energy.com/articles/bridging-the-gap-duke-energy-powers-students-with-laptops" target="_blank">View original content here</a>

Bridging the Gap: Duke Energy Powers Students With Laptops

<img alt="John Mulcahy in hard hat and high-vis clothing standing in a forested area." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b6a6d3cc-660c-4118-bcca-b8e5c55cf7b0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/JohnMulcahy_gp_091224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" />Although more than 90% of the wood and wood fiber used in our operations comes from the United States, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-pacific-llc/" target="_blank">Georgia-Pacific LLC</a> purchases fiber from other countries when the characteristics of those species provide product performance attributes that our consumers and customers prefer. These products help people improve their lives and are made responsibly. As a part of our due care program, we spend time in these regions, meeting with our suppliers, visiting their timberlands and communities, and discussing the environmental and social values that are relevant to the region. In a trip last week, we saw how the preferred partnerships we have with our global suppliers are resulting in good forest stewardship.
<img alt="A far view of a stack of cut timber in a forested area." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce18bb50-91a4-4431-9112-e96233d43b6b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/timber_gp_091224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" />Georgia-Pacific

Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, nonwoven fabrics, building products and related chemicals. Our familiar consumer brands include <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.quiltednorthern.com%2F&amp;n=26756" target="_blank">Quilted Northern</a>®, <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.angelsoft.com%2F&amp;n=26756" target="_blank">Angel Soft</a>®, <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brawny.com%2F&amp;n=26756" target="_blank">Brawny</a>®, <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dixie.com%2F&amp;n=26756" target="_blank">Dixie</a>®, <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gppro.com%2F&amp;n=26756" target="_blank">enMotion</a>®, <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sparkletowels.com%2F&amp;n=26756" target="_blank">Sparkle</a>® and <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanityfairnapkins.com%2F&amp;n=26756" target="_blank">Vanity Fair</a>®. Georgia-Pacific has long been a leading supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers. Its <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gapacrecycling.com%2F&amp;n=26756" target="_blank">Georgia-Pacific Recycling</a> subsidiary is among the world’s largest traders of paper, metal and plastics. The company operates more than 150 facilities and employs more than 30,000 people directly and creates approximately 89,000 jobs indirectly. For more information, visit: <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gp.com%2Fabout-us&amp;n=26756" target="_blank">gp.com/about-us</a> . For news, visit: <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gp.com%2Fnews&amp;n=26756" target="_blank">gp.com/news</a>

View original content<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jrmulcahy_environmental-social-stewardship-activity-7239641487058112512-K5KF/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" target="_blank"> here.</a>
<img alt="A green house full of trays of seedlings." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcb5df84-0670-4aa5-b8f7-131a33daff45" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/seedlings_gp_091224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" /><img alt="Two smiling people in high-vis vests in a forested area." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b07df90e-ab5c-4511-b7ee-2ae611b222aa" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/team_gp_091224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" /><img alt="A path in a forested area." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fad08c77-9e55-459b-9dc1-b8f4b817f83c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/timberforest_gp_091224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" />

Responsible Foresting Around the World Helps Us All

<img alt="Two mountain climbers with the words &quot;Elevate your sustainability communications with Platinum.&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="700793f2-f3e4-42ce-86a0-f1ae84c56099" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PLATINUM-3BL-100124.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="834" loading="lazy" />Changing the world is hard work, and talking about it can be even harder. Platinum empowers companies to turn complex sustainability initiatives into clear, engaging narratives that drive business impact. Targeted distribution, advanced analytics and expert support combine to elevate sustainability storytelling and drive measurable impact.

NORTHAMPTON, Mass., October 1, 2024 /CSRwire/ - 3BL, a leader in sustainability and impact communications, today announced the launch of <a href="https://go.3blmedia.com/l/37792/2024-09-30/5yhyyz" target="_blank">Platinum</a>, a premier solution designed to address the most pressing challenges organizations face in communicating their environmental and social initiatives.

In an era of more complex sustainability investment, and stakeholders demand transparency and measurable impact, many organizations struggle to clearly and effectively communicate their sustainability efforts, reach the right audiences, and demonstrate ROI. Platinum tackles these issues head-on.

“This moment represents more than just a product launch—it’s about reshaping how organizations approach sustainability communications,” said Charlie Wilkie, CEO at 3BL. “Since 2009, we’ve been a trusted distribution platform in the field, and today we’re expanding our impact as a full-stack communications partner with new services, advanced analytics, and insights that empower organizations to turn their sustainability efforts into a competitive advantage.”

Platinum addresses three critical pain points:

<ol><li>Reaching the Right Audiences: Since 2009, 3BL has been building a specialized community of journalists, analysts, ratings/ranking agencies, practitioners, investors and consumers in the impact space. Platinum offers unlimited access to these exclusive partners, as well as guaranteed and custom distribution to ensure your message reaches the right audience, on your terms.</li>
	<li>Measuring and Optimizing Impact: Companies often lack insight into how their sustainability messaging resonates. Platinum's advanced analytics suite offers deep insights into stakeholder perceptions and competitive benchmarking, allowing organizations to refine their communication strategies for maximum impact. Our Sustainability Disclosure Score provides quarterly reports assessing how ratings &amp; rankings agencies evaluate your brands’ sustainability performance from over 1,000 sources. Exclusive to Platinum clients, our Stakeholder Perception Survey Report offers an annual review of how consumers and key stakeholders view your sustainability efforts. And, our TriplePundit Editorial Blueprint further enhances messaging with expert analysis to boost audience engagement.</li>
	<li>Resource Constraints: Sustainability teams are often stretched thin. Platinum offers specialized support that integrates seamlessly with existing teams, providing strategic guidance and freeing up valuable internal resources.</li>
</ol>For more information about how Platinum can transform your sustainability communications, please visit <a href="https://go.3blmedia.com/l/37792/2024-09-30/5yhyyz" target="_blank">here</a>.

About 3BL  
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.

We partner with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

Explore more at <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.3bl.com%2F&amp;n=1265186" target="_blank">www.3bl.com</a>

3BL’s Platinum Solves Sustainability Communicators’ Biggest Problems With Data and Insights 

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b77c839-3ba1-4415-8c93-261447535d12" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/students_LasVegasSands_100224_0.jpg" width="640" height="701" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>UNT students immersed themselves in the Las Vegas hospitality industry during a week-long study tour made possible with funding from Sands Cares.</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.sands.com/news/sands-cares-underwrites-unt-las-vegas-study-tour/" target="_blank">Las Vegas Sands</a>

In early June, 16 hospitality students from the University of North Texas, College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism visited Las Vegas for an intensive study tour to learn about the hospitality industry. The UNT Las Vegas Study Tour was underwritten by the Sands Cares global community engagement program as part of the company’s focus on workforce development in the hospitality industry.

First stop of the UNT Las Vegas Study Tour was at Sands’ corporate headquarters to hear from company executives, including UNT alum, executive vice president and CFO Randy Hyzak. The Sands team provided insights into the variety of career tracks in the industry, including presentations by Katarina Tesarova, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer; Christian Livingston, corporate accounting manager; Georgina Moreno, director of procurement; Uzoma Ehiemere, director of development contract administration for the procurement team; and Grace Chen, manager of talent acquisition/corporate human resources.

Students said they valued the deep introduction into the wide array of career paths in the hospitality industry.

“I think we started off really strong with our day at Sands, and then ending our week at The Venetian,” Tatum Sherer, a UNT senior studying event design and experience management, said. “I appreciate that both of these experiences showed us really interesting jobs that I don’t think any of us would have had the opportunity to be exposed to in the industry.”
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79bc04b6-3b1c-469e-9d5a-b17af1a5f78d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/UNT_LasVegasSands_100224.jpg" width="640" height="634" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Randy Hyzak, executive vice president and CFO at Sands and a UNT alum, spoke with students during their visit to Sands’ corporate headquarters.</figcaption></figure>Other students shared their perceptions from the career overview session at Sands.

“What I learned from the Sands executives is that you need to make sure you’re always networking and building relationships, branching out and trying new things,” said Cal Birmingham, a UNT senior who is also studying event design and experience management.

Ana Garza added, “My main takeaway from what we heard from the Sands executives is that you need to be ready for anything.”

The study tour also included visits to and tours of integrated resorts and hospitality venues, such as Caesars Palace, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and ARIA, where students received additional on-site learning opportunities. Hospitality industry professionals spoke to students about on-property career tracks such as hotel operations, casino operations, marketing and customer loyalty.

The UNT group also visited the Konami Gaming Lab at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to see its state-of-the-art casino simulation and casino surveillance room. Students completed their week with a tour of The Venetian Resort, where they met with departments including human resources, security, sustainability, food and beverage, conventions and casino operations.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74490400-c3ef-4d1a-88ac-e4ac5a4e80a1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/UNTcasino_LasVegasSands_100224.jpg" width="640" height="1600" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>UNT students experienced casino operations at UNLV’s Konami Gaming Lab.</figcaption></figure>“Thanks to the support from Sands, our students had a truly unique and invaluable experience in Las Vegas,” Kim H. Williams, Ph.D., chair and professor at UNT’s College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, said. “They received an insiders’ view of one of the world’s premier hospitality centers, greatly enhancing their education as they prepare to begin their careers. The Sands executives who addressed our students were generous with their advice and showcased the breadth and depth of opportunities this industry offers.”

Supporting the UNT Las Vegas Study Tour is one of Sands’ many workforce development initiatives to advance hospitality education and build strength in the industry. Other efforts include the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the $1 million Sands Hospitality Scholarship Program in Singapore.

To learn more about Sands’ workforce development efforts in the hospitality industry, read the company’s latest ESG report:  <a href="https://www.sands.com/content/uploads/2024/06/LVS-ESG-Report-2023.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.sands.com/content/uploads/2024/06/LVS-ESG-Report-2023.pdf</a>

In early June, 16 hospitality students from the University of North Texas, College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism visited Las Vegas for an intensive study tour to learn about the hospitality industry. 

University of North Texas Hospitality Students Participated in a Las Vegas Study Tour With Underwriting From Sands Cares

Today, Yum! Brands, Inc. released its annual Global Citizenship &amp; Sustainability Report, detailing its advancements in reducing carbon emissions, improving packaging and removing barriers.

<img alt="Aerial view of waves against a shoreline" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ffa0ae50-78b6-45ba-bb18-414d3c9a2e48" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/renewables_AB_100324.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="570" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.alliancebernstein.com/corporate/en/bio.xiaoyu-gu.html" target="_blank">Xiaoyu Gu</a>| Managing Director—AB CarVal

<a href="https://www.alliancebernstein.com/corporate/en/bio.kent-hargis.html" target="_blank">Kent Hargis, PhD</a>| Chief Investment Officer—Strategic Core Equities; Portfolio Manager—Global Low Carbon Strategy

<a href="https://www.alliancebernstein.com/corporate/en/bio.kathleen-dumes.html" target="_blank">Kathleen Dumes, CFA</a>| Responsible Investing Research Analyst—Fixed Income Responsible Investing

The case for renewables transcends politics.

The US Inflation Reduction Act has boosted investment opportunities in renewable energy. Could the potential for new leadership in Washington change that? We don’t think so.

In the two years since it became law, the IRA has intensified efforts to build renewable energy projects across the United States. It’s done this primarily by expanding federal tax credits for qualifying investments, including electric vehicles, solar and wind power generation, and the utility-scale batteries needed to store it.

The law passed in 2022 entirely with Democratic votes, and Republicans may attempt to roll back some of its provisions if they win Congress and the White House in November.

It’s About the Economics

We think a full IRA repeal is unlikely, and here’s why: the case for renewables and other private-sector energy management solutions is economic. Renewable energy fills a vital need for the US power grid, and at a lower cost than fossil fuels. What’s more, we think it could make the US economy stronger.

The transition away from fossil fuel isn’t new. It cuts across party lines, too. Annual US carbon emissions declined steadily from 2001 to 2022—a stretch during which both parties were in the White House. Crude oil and natural gas production grew over the same period, but so did clean-energy capacity.

And with the US, along with other countries, having pledged to meet net zero carbon emissions targets by 2050, we expect reliance on clean energy sources to increase regardless of election outcomes.
<img alt="Info graphic &quot;Greening the Incentives Total Potential Tax Credit Value of the IRA&quot; with categories and percentages adding up to 70%." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82661f4b-626d-4b91-aacb-876d7c71e58a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/incentives_AB_100324.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="689" loading="lazy" />IRA Expanding Financial Incentives

Before the IRA, production and investment tax credits were limited to certain sectors—primarily wind and solar—and had to be renewed by Congress often.

The IRA extended the time frame for the credits by at least a decade, providing greater visibility for developers and investors. It also expanded the credits to more asset classes and, in some cases, provided more value. In some circumstances, credits may add up to more than half of the total cost (Display).

Even at today’s high interest rates, the tax credits are reducing construction costs for a range of renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power. They’re also widening return potential for public and private investors willing to fund those projects.

Where We See Investment Potential

A key area of focus involves updating the 60-year-old US power grid, which struggles to meet today’s electricity needs. Charging an electric car battery, for example, can pull up to 150 kilowatts from the grid—the equivalent of 1,500 100-watt lightbulbs—in less than an hour. Commercial, industrial and utility-scale battery storage assets help to meet increased electricity demand while also delivering other important services that can provide attractive opportunities for investors.

Perhaps the most important: batteries help keep grids stable and reliable by managing the distribution of electricity in real time. This helps prevent sudden surges in demand from events like storms or wildfires that can cause blackouts.

Batteries can also be an alternative to costly infrastructure investment. Adding one to an area where the grid is constrained can reduce power bottlenecks far more cost-effectively than building new transmission and distribution lines.

US banks are a key capital source for such massive infrastructure investments. But stricter regulations are creating opportunities for private lenders. We think the combination of tax credits and project-generated cash flow have the potential to deliver attractive returns to private credit investors who extend loans to solar and storage projects backed by collateral, or who help developers gain access to tax credits.
<img alt="Info graphic &quot;Mandatory Climate Disclosures: A Global Reality&quot; with map of the earth and countries labeled with alignment status." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40a8b274-8a6b-4ab0-bf01-41b584a04419" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/disclosures_AB_100324.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="946" loading="lazy" />Opportunity Beyond Renewables

We also see public debt opportunities among utilities that need to finance grid updates with multiyear capital expenditure plans and in companies across industries that are issuing <a href="https://www.alliancebernstein.com/corporate/en/insights/investment-insights/esg-labeled-bonds-quality-over-quantity.html" target="_blank">ESG-labeled bonds with more transparent structures, increasingly ambitious targets, and credible plans to meet them.</a>

And renewables are only part of the story. Industrial companies today are striving to reduce emissions through efficient energy technologies, and we think low-carbon equity strategies may uncover opportunity in companies that aim to help others lower their carbon footprints. These include providers of the smart-grid technology used to build energy-efficient buildings and high-voltage cable manufacturers that help connect the grid to renewable power generation.

What Might Change—and What Probably Won’t

A Republican win in November could alter the investment opportunity set—and for a time increase uncertainty in the US. A new president may seek to change aspects of the law, such as EV subsidies, or use some of its unspent revenue to fund other priorities, such as boosting exports or cutting taxes.

But as we see it, the challenge of shoring up an overextended grid will persist no matter who’s governing, making an outright repeal of the IRA difficult for several reasons:

<ul><li>Renewable energy jobs: In the IRA’s first year, 280 renewable energy projects were announced across 45 US states, representing about $280 billion in new investment, $225 billion of it in Republican districts, according to Goldman Sachs. This could create more than 150,000 new jobs, mostly in states that tend to vote Republican.</li>
	<li>Broad regional impact: The law’s potential impact across regions may explain why Republican lawmakers recently urged House leadership to preserve clean energy tax credits if House control changes hands. They’re seen as critical to driving investment as natural gas and coal plants are decommissioned by utilities striving to reach net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Fossil fuel firms have also expressed interest in other projects supported by tax credits, including carbon emissions capture and green hydrogen.</li>
	<li>Global disclosure requirements: Even if the SEC climate disclosure rule were repealed, which we don’t think is likely, US companies would still have to comply with mandatory climate disclosure requirements in jurisdictions around the world (Display). Paring back the federal law wouldn’t do the same at the state level. Several states, led by California, require public companies to disclose GHG emissions and climate-related risk.</li>
</ul>Election results typically have consequences for policy—and the upcoming US contest is no exception. But when it comes to investing in clean energy development, we don’t think the potential doomsday scenarios are particularly convincing.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations and do not necessarily represent the views of all AllianceBernstein portfolio-management teams. Views are subject to change over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility<a href="https://www.alliancebernstein.com/corporate/en/corporate-responsibility.html?syn:pan-emea:brand:3bl:eu942" target="_blank"> here.</a>

The US Inflation Reduction Act has boosted investment opportunities in renewable energy. Could the potential for new leadership in Washington change that? We don’t think so.

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