Duke Energy

Guiding Stars Licensing Company LLC

PBF Energy

A Home Run Partnership: Duke Energy Foundation, Tampa Bay Rays Donate $82,000 To Help Florida Customers Pay Energy Bills

Guiding Stars: Nourishing Meals With Five Ingredients or Less

PBF Energy Releases 2024 Sustainability Report

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<figcaption>Weatherization Demonstration</figcaption>
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In 2024, <a href="https://eco-act.org/" target="_blank">Environmental Community Action, Inc. (ECO-Action)</a> received a two-year<a href="https://www.drawdownga.org/grants-announced/?page=1&amp;category=58" target="_blank"> Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions and Equity Grant</a> to engage community members from low-income, previously disinvested communities in Atlanta to access and participate in climate mitigation strategies to reduce energy burdens, optimize food waste diversion strategies and enhance their quality of life with ecological awareness, education and benefits.&nbsp;

Over the past two years, the grant has enabled ECO-Action to collaborate with residents and leaders in Peoplestown (South Atlanta), Intrenchment Creek (Southeast Atlanta) and Proctor Creek (Northwest Atlanta) to offer monthly community-wide training on issues where climate change and health intersect.
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<figcaption>ECO-Action Grantees and Funders</figcaption>
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They've partnered with community garden leaders to collect food scraps and establish free neighborhood-based composting programs in multiple neighborhoods across Atlanta. They've trained young adults and other community members on weatherization techniques to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy burdens in aging housing stock, and they've educated residents on issues and vulnerabilities at the intersection of climate and environmental justice.

Through monthly gatherings in their own communities, ECO-Action is empowering Atlanta residents to recognize issues and take action. Some of the activities residents have engaged in include planting trees where urban deforestation has occurred, reducing food waste sent to area landfills, and gaining insight into mitigating heat island effects.

A multigenerational approach has been successful for the ECO-Action team as they've trained young adults from the local communities to weatherize the homes of seniors and others in the community that they might not otherwise interact with. They're not just sharing knowledge and improved thermal comfort; they're forging lasting relationships.
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<figcaption>Buckets from the free composting program</figcaption>
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The ECO-Action staff and volunteers recently took funders on a tour of multiple locations in their targeted neighborhoods, exemplifying the grant in action. Some examples included:

Grove Park Community Gardens - This garden included raised beds and fruit trees maintained by community members. The site is equipped with a shed, gardening tools and a central compost collection area where residents can take their food scraps. They’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing feedstock for compost that is processed locally at Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture. Finished compost is provided back to the community garden and to highly engaged residents who regularly contribute their kitchen scraps.

Parather-Williams Home in Collier Heights - Ms. Catherine Parather-Williams is a member of the ECO-Action Weatherization Team, and she participates in the household composting program. She has also been the recipient of some weatherization work at her own home. Weatherization interns demonstrated the weatherization upgrades that were made there, sealing cracks and ductwork, installing new dryer vents, replacing filters, and adding insulation.

When asked if she noticed a difference, Ms. Parather-Williams said, “I sleep a lot better at night, it’s more comfortable.” The compost she receives from ECO-Action is used in her front porch container garden where she grows peppers, collards, tomatoes, okra, and herbs.

Rick McDevitt Youth Center in Peoplestown - This is the hub for composting efforts in the neighborhoods of the Intrenchment Creek Watershed, and a portion of the grant was used to make weatherization upgrades to the Center.

The funders had a chance to hear from Donna Stephens, program manager for the Proctor Creek neighborhoods. Ms. Stephens reported that the Proctor Creek team continues to run educational sessions on composting, as well as supporting a cohort of youth ambassadors to recruit community members to participate in the weatherization and composting programs. Between March and August of 2025, neighbors in the Proctor Creek Watershed collected roughly 1,500 lbs of compostable materials.
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<figcaption>Grantees and Funders</figcaption>
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George Epps, program manager for the Drawdown Georgia efforts in the Peoplestown and Intrenchment Creek neighborhoods also reported great success with the program. Mr. Epps is responsible for picking-up the food scraps at a central point, delivering them to Truly Living Well, and redistributing the collection buckets. Between March and August, Intrenchment Creek residents collected roughly 4,500 lbs of compostable materials, thereby diverting them from landfill, and helping avert the associated methane emissions.&nbsp;

Neighbors in the Intrenchment Creek community are also focused on developing intergenerational learning via spring and fall break workshops on weatherization, composting, and urban gardening. The community has also partnered with Pike Nurseries and Trees Atlanta to plant fruit trees in the Peoplestown and the Intrenchment Creek watershed to help address heat island effects from previous urban deforestation.&nbsp;
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<figcaption>Community Garden in Grove Park</figcaption>
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The weatherization interns presented on their ongoing work after the tour. They participated in training at <a href="http://www.southface.org" target="_blank">Southface Institute</a>, learning how to patch and apply mastic and foam to seal gaps, and how to safely construct scaffolding in attics to support insulation work. The Rick McDevitt Youth Center, Little Five Points Community Center, and 12 residents’ homes received a variety of weatherization improvements during the summer.

About the Funders:&nbsp;

ECO-Action’s 2024-25 Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions &amp; Equity Grant was supported by a funding cohort that included Atticus Fund, the R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation and its Dobbs Fund, Ghanta Family Foundation, The Ray C. Anderson Foundation, Reilly Family Fund, Tull Charitable Foundation and The Wilbur &amp; Hilda Glenn Family Foundation.

About ECO-Action:

Environmental Community Action, Inc. (ECO-Action) helps communities organize to confront environmental health threats, and to strengthen &amp; facilitate participation of communities in preventing and resolving such threats. ECO-Action serves the general population, with special focus on assisting residents of vulnerable communities – most often rural residents, people with limited formal education, those with few resources, women, and people of color. &nbsp;ECO-Action’s work is based on the intersection of three things – threats to human health, environmental degradation and social injustice.

ECO-Action Is Reducing Energy Burdens and Optimizing Food Waste Diversion in Atlanta

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By Jason Hartke, Ph.D.

With over a decade of experience in the smart buildings industry, Kashif Mughees, who leads commercial and partnerships at <a href="https://www.wellstat.io/" target="_blank">WellStat</a>, has built a career on turning complex energy and environmental challenges into opportunities for organizations to embrace solutions that yield powerful economic benefits. An engineer by training, Kashif’s work stands at the intersection of technology, data and human impact, partnering with leaders from across the public and private sectors to apply innovative solutions that advance energy security, environmental performance and healthier indoor spaces.

At its core, WellStat is helping reshape what it means to manage building performance, leveraging intelligent energy solutions and building analytics to help businesses achieve healthier, smarter and more sustainable spaces. The company’s approach combines industry knowledge with real-time insights and IoT analytics, improving operational performance while helping organizations optimize for health.

Kashif has been at the heart of this work, driven by a passion for sustainable energy management, cross-sector collaboration, and data-driven innovation. We sat down with him to learn more about the work WellStat is leading and how the company is addressing today’s most pressing challenges and empowering market leaders to champion health, sustainability, and long-term business resilience.
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Q: How do you see the relationship between energy efficiency and indoor air quality evolving and what kind of synergies should the industry be driving to advance both? 
For too long, energy efficiency and indoor air quality have been treated as trade-offs: save energy or improve comfort. Today, we have the tools and intelligence to achieve both.

In my experience, fine-tuning building systems through real-time insights can reduce waste and maintain healthy air at the same time. For example, in one project, simply adjusting HVAC start times cut energy use without affecting comfort. In another, tracking indoor air quality helped uncover efficiencies that, once fixed, improved both ventilation and performance. Demand Control Ventilation is a great example of this synergy in action, using live occupancy and air quality data to optimize airflow, reduce energy consumption, and maintain healthier environments.

It’s important to stop treating health and efficiency as separate goals and start measuring how they work together to improve overall building performance.
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Q: From your perspective, what is the business case for investing in buildings that prioritize health, well-being and sustainability? How do you communicate that to organizations you work with? 
The value is clear. Healthier buildings are higher performing assets. They attract and retain talent, reduce operational risk and strengthen long-term value.

I often say, if you can measure it, you can prove it, and if you can prove it, you can scale it. That is where data comes in. When leaders see tangible results such as improved air quality, reduced energy costs and greater occupant satisfaction, the conversation shifts from compliance to commercial advantage.

Even in residential developments, we are seeing growing interest in WELL-aligned design and monitoring. Healthier air, balanced humidity and thermal comfort reduce risks associated with damp and mould, while improving overall indoor quality and occupant well-being. These improvements do not just make homes healthier; they protect asset value, reduce maintenance costs and strengthen community trust.

Ultimately, prioritizing health delivers value for occupants while supporting long-term financial performance.

Q: Many organizations face difficulties in implementing these building strategies, such as cost constraints or new technology adoption. What are some of the biggest challenges you see in the field today and how are you working with stakeholders to overcome them? 
The challenge is usually not the technology. It’s getting different teams aligned. Facilities, sustainability and finance teams often have different success metrics. Our job is to connect those dots through shared outcomes.

We typically start small with a pilot project that proves measurable impact. Once the data speaks for itself, adoption accelerates across the portfolio. For example, demonstrating how small operational changes can lead to both lower energy costs and better IAQ helps shift the mindset from “new cost” to “new value.”

By focusing on visibility, evidence and shared success metrics, we help organisations move from good intentions to scalable results.

Q: As the demand for healthy buildings continues to grow, how is WellStat helping demonstrate the value proposition and where do you see the strongest market drivers helping build momentum? 
WellStat is helping organisations quantify what matters most, the measurable link between healthier spaces, operational performance and financial outcomes.

Our analytics platform captures real-time data on air quality, energy and environmental performance, turning it into clear, actionable insights. That enables leaders to demonstrate, not just declare, that their spaces are healthier and more efficient.

Momentum is building across sectors:

• Corporate real estate leaders are investing to attract and retain talent. 
• Developers and owners see WELL as a differentiator in competitive markets. 
• Investors are demanding transparency and data-backed proof of impact.

We are moving into an era where sustainability, health and performance are one conversation, and the organisations that understand that will lead the market.

View original content <a href="https://resources.wellcertified.com/articles/iwbi-signature-interview-series-leveraging-analytics-to-propel-healthy-building-practices/" target="_blank">here</a>.

IWBI Signature Interview Series: Leveraging Analytics to Propel Healthy Building Practices

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<a href="https://www.path.org/" target="_blank">PATH</a> has launched a groundbreaking initiative to address the rising burden of hemoglobinopathies—particularly Thalassemia—in India, with the support of a grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMS Foundation). The program aims to strengthen local health systems and expand access to early screening, diagnosis, and treatment in high-prevalence areas.

India accounts for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37947120/#:~:text=The%20thalassemic%20burden%20in%20India,the%20global%20%CE%B2%2Dthalassemia%20burden" target="_blank">nearly 25%</a> of the global β-thalassemia burden, with an estimated 10,000–15,000 children born each year with Thalassemia Major. Despite this, access to quality care remains limited, and treatment pathways are often fragmented.

This initiative marks among the BMS Foundation’s first grants in India to increase access to screening and build capacity to tackle the life-threatening burden of hemoglobinopathies.

The program will be implemented in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on:

Strengthening screening and prevention: Focusing on high-prevalence districts and prioritizing key population groups such as pregnant women, newborns, and families with known genetic risk factors.

Capacity-building and training: Equipping frontline health workers to deliver timely, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive care.

Coordinated care systems: Ensuring linkage to management services, including safe blood transfusion services, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow transplant facilities, where appropriate.

Strengthening the Centre for Competence (CoC): Enhancing the ambit of existing CoCs for Sickle Cell Disease established by the Government of India under NSCAEM to serve as hubs of excellence for Thalassemia care.

Policy integration and innovation: Supporting alignment of national and state-level actions on integrated Thalassemia management with global guidelines and local realities to inform future efforts to scale up integrated interventions.

“This project is expected to directly impact the population across the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh,” said Neeraj Jain, Country Director, India, PATH. “The project’s goal is to impact over 1.8 million pregnant women, newborns, and families of affected individuals, who will receive integrated screening services during the project period. Enhanced capacity of health care providers and access to better treatment will help improve the quality of life for all individuals diagnosed with Thalassemia.”

Catharine Grimes, President of the BMS Foundation, added, “The BMS Foundation is proud to work with PATH on these critical efforts to close gaps in Thalassemia care in India. Across our global work to address pediatric blood disorders, we are committed to removing barriers and strengthening sustainable systems of care. By implementing evidence-based strategies tailored to local community needs, we aim to deliver a scalable, lasting impact.”

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Awards Grant to PATH to Improve Care for Inherited Blood Disorders in India

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<figcaption>Community Garden Kitchen and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club "Flip the Switch" on Solar!</figcaption>
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MCKINNEY, Texas, October 17, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - Community Garden Kitchen, a nonprofit founded to combat food insecurity in Collin County, is celebrating a major sustainability milestone with a new 34-kilowatt solar array and 20 kWh battery storage system, courtesy of a $118,000 grant from the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club®.

The solar array will support 65% of the restaurant’s energy needs, while the battery storage will maintain food production during weather emergencies or grid disruptions, allowing the nonprofit to remain operational. Energy savings from the sustainability grant are equivalent to serving more than 9,350 additional meals annually, or 180 additional dinners per week.
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<figcaption>The new 34-kilowatt rooftop solar array, funded by Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, at Community Garden Kitchen.</figcaption>
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In 2014, Community Garden Kitchen launched with the vision of a restaurant-style kitchen where guests can dine with dignity in a friendly environment. In 2022, a permanent home for the nonprofit was opened in McKinney, where the restaurant operates Monday through Thursday evenings with over 900 volunteers. Community Garden Kitchen is the only facility in Collin County open for dinner to meet the needs of those experiencing food insecurity. Last year alone, the kitchen served more than 40,000 free meals.

“We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and $118,000 sustainability grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club,” said Angela Poen, president, Community Garden Kitchen. “The energy savings from the solar array and battery storage will empower us to further our mission of serving nutritious meals and providing a safe space for our community.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Community Garden Kitchen to reduce their environmental footprint and, at the same time, help expand their capacity to serve nutritious meals for those in need,” said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, senior director of sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. “By empowering our community with the principles of sustainability, we can ensure future generations remain committed to nurturing our planet.”

Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $15 million for 174 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Green Mountain Energy invites its customers and employees to contribute and help support more projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.

# # #

About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club

Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $16 million for 174 projects 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/en/sun-club" target="_blank">greenmountain.com/sunclub</a>.

Media Contact: 
Jeanie Davey, Green Mountain Energy 
445-544-1670 
<a href="mailto:Jeanie.davey@greenmountain.com" target="_blank">Jeanie.davey@greenmountain.com</a>

Angela Poen, Community Garden Kitchen 
214-842-8426 
<a href="mailto:directors@communitygardenkitchen.org" target="_blank">directors@communitygardenkitchen.org</a>

Community Garden Kitchen Goes Solar, Thanks to a $118,000 Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Grant

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<a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/sustainability/key-takeaways-nycw-2025?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq</a>

This year’s <a href="https://www.climateweeknyc.org/" target="_blank">Climate Week NYC</a> events centered on the theme “Power On,” highlighting progress across climate, finance, technology, and more. As the days unfolded, the discussions moved from the strategic significance of sustainability to practical approaches and insights that can help organizations manage complexity and foster resilience.

Through participation in the week’s events, the Nasdaq team tuned in as leaders further explored the evolving role of technology and the importance of aligning sustainability and finance teams to create enduring value, and how an impactful sustainability strategy is designed to address the intricate climate landscape. The following key takeaways illustrate these principles and how they can be put into action:

1. Sustainability is a Strategic Imperative for Investors and CFOs

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have,” it’s a core expectation from investors. CFOs are now deeply involved in both sustainability education and reporting, reflecting the growing demand for transparency and measurable impact across stakeholders. The week’s activity highlighted that resilience in the sustainability landscape isn’t going anywhere, and organizations must be prepared to adapt and thrive amid constant changes.

2. Approach Sustainability with Simplicity Over Complexity

While the world is becoming more complex, organizations should resist the urge to respond with more complicated processes. A successful sustainability strategy is often principle-based, seeking modern, innovative solutions that offer simplicity and reduce unnecessary complexity. For example, Nasdaq’s sustainability vision is built on three pillars: capital access and innovation, disclosure and transparency, and market infrastructure solutions. This vision is underpinned by a commitment to long-term, actionable initiatives and the belief that adaptability and partnership are essential in a dynamic sustainability ecosystem.

3. Alignment Between Sustainability and Finance Can Help Yield High Returns

Securing buy-in for sustainability initiatives can be challenging. It is important to nurture alignment between sustainability and finance teams, starting at the leadership level. Synergy between these business functions is crucial not only for maximizing tax incentives, but also for ensuring that investments in sustainability yield high returns. In the long term, better sustainability practices help drive growth, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, freeing up capital for further investment.

4. The Power of Networks and Collaboration

Leaders shared that involvement in leadership networks helps provide unique opportunities for peer learning and collaboration, all in the effort to advance sustainability goals. Organizations should consider prioritizing collaboration, adaptability, and a forward-looking mindset to build resilience amid complexity.

Driving Lasting Value Through Sustainability and Innovation

Ultimately, sustainability should be a strategic priority for corporate leaders and investors alike. Success in this space requires not just robust reporting, but also a culture of innovation, strong alignment between sustainability and finance, and a relentless focus on resilience. As the sustainability and climate landscape continues to evolve, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/sustainability/report?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq’s approach</a> offers a blueprint for organizations seeking to turn complexity into opportunity and drive lasting value.

Nasdaq’s Sustainability Technology, Innovation, and Resilience

<a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/sustainability/how-sustainable-company-leaders-leverage-nasdaq-sustainability-solutions?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Technology and innovation</a> are at the heart of Nasdaq’s sustainability journey. We are leveraging AI and cloud solutions to drive efficiency, productivity, and resilience. In addition to in-house innovation efforts, we are focused on building scalable solutions that can adapt to regulatory and market changes to best support its clients. By fostering inclusive growth through innovation and collaboration, Nasdaq and its clients are well positioned to create enduring value, no matter how the landscape shifts.

Moreover, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/solutions/sustainability?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq Sustainability Solutions</a> empowers organizations to address evolving regulatory demands, unlock investor capital, and accelerate decarbonization with best-in-class technology and trusted advisory expertise. Our tools simplify reporting, enhance data quality, and help teams focus on delivering measurable sustainability outcomes. To learn how we can support your organization throughout its sustainability journey, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/solutions/sustainability#contact?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">contact us here</a>.

Key Takeaways From Climate Week NYC 2025

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October 15, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - The UK is setting a global benchmark in sustainability, driven by businesses that increasingly recognise the competitive, reputational, and financial advantages of sustainable practices. However, progress is uneven across sectors, as each industry faces distinct environmental, social, and governance challenges shaped by differing operational, regulatory, and market priorities. Recognising these differences is crucial to developing targeted strategies, prioritising actions, and implementing practices that deliver measurable sustainability outcomes.

To support businesses in strengthening competitiveness and resilience, the UN Global Compact Network UK, in collaboration with University College London, Newcastle University, and Euromonitor, has launched the report ‘<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">Trailblazers &amp; Transformers: UK Business Sectors Redefining Sustainability</a>’, examining how six high-impact sectors in the UK are performing against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing on rigorous data and market insights, the report identifies sector-specific challenges, benchmarks performance, and presents actionable recommendations to support effective sustainability strategies.

<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">DOWNLOAD THE REPORT</a>

You can now download the full report to:

<ul>
	<li>Gain in-depth analysis of UK business progress on the SDGs;</li>
	<li>Access sector-specific insights to strengthen ESG performance and support the integration of sustainability into strategy and operations;</li>
	<li>Understand cross-sector trends highlighting shared barriers, leadership gaps, and opportunities for collaboration and innovation;</li>
	<li>Inform your company’s sustainability strategy with evidence-based findings and global benchmark comparisons;</li>
	<li>Leverage data-driven insights from UN Global Compact Communication on Progress (CoP) data, World Benchmarking Alliance benchmarks, policy context, and market trends to guide decision-making; and</li>
	<li>Explore policy priorities that can shape the enabling environment to help businesses operate responsibly, compete globally, and unlock sustainable investment at scale.</li>
</ul>

You can find more information about the report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">here</a>, and please share it with your networks.

Media Contact: 
Lily Venables 
Senior Project Manager (Governance and SDGs) 
<a href="mailto:lily.venables@unglobalcompact.org.uk" target="_blank">lily.venables@unglobalcompact.org.uk</a>

<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">Read More</a>

New UN Global Compact Network UK Report Launch - Trailblazers & Transformers: UK Business Sectors Redefining Sustainability

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<figcaption>The Mary Kay Ash Foundation®, an unwavering champion of supporting survivors of domestic violence and advocating for women’s safety, announced it has awarded more than $1 million in domestic violence shelter grants around the country. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has given more than $58 million in support to end domestic violence and rebuild lives after abuse.</figcaption>
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Originally published on <a href="http://newsroom.marykay.com/" target="_blank">newsroom.marykay.com</a>

DALLAS, October 23, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - The <a href="http://www.marykayashfoundation.org" target="_blank">Mary Kay Ash Foundation</a>®, an unwavering champion of supporting survivors of domestic violence and advocating for women’s safety, announced it has awarded more than $1 million in domestic violence shelter grants around the country. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has given more than $58 million in support to end domestic violence and rebuild lives after abuse.
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<figcaption>Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe.</figcaption>
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In 2025, grants were awarded to the following domestic violence shelter and support service organizations:

<ul>
	<li>
	Annual Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (51 Grants | $1,020,000)

	Domestic violence shelters in 51 states and U.S. territories received $20,000 grants each totaling over $1 million in unrestricted funds to support life-saving services such as legal aid, counseling, facility improvements, childcare, job readiness training, and more.
	</li>
	<li>
	Local Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (4 Grants | $100,000)

	Awarded four local domestic violence shelters across North Texas with $25,000 grants each totaling $100,000 to address specific community needs. Denton County Friends of the Family, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter &amp; Support, and The Family Place provide critical needs to women facing abuse.
	</li>
	<li>
	The National Domestic Violence Hotline ($70,000)

	Announced partnership with <a href="https://www.thehotline.org/" target="_blank">The National Domestic Violence Hotline</a> (“The Hotline”) – the nation’s leading resource for survivors and those seeking to support them – to create a nationwide initiative focused on trauma-informed education, community engagement, and life-saving tools to help individuals recognize and respond to abuse. The partnership provides <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MaryKayAshFoundation" target="_blank">training webinars</a>, <a href="https://marykayashfoundation.org/stay-informed/resources/" target="_blank">downloadable resources</a>, and a series of short videos.
	</li>
	<li>
	The Conference on Crimes Against Women ($75,000)&nbsp;

	Supported for 19 consecutive years <a href="https://conferencecaw.org/" target="_blank">The Conference on Crimes Against Women</a> (CCAW), an annual community multi-stakeholder conference in Dallas, Texas dedicated to addressing and combating all forms of crimes against women. Drawing 3,000 annually, CCAW is the only conference that addresses all crimes against women with a multidisciplinary focus that encourages a coordinated community response. The 20th edition of the conference took place in May 2025.

	<a href="https://marykayashfoundation.org/what-we-do/domestic-violence/grant-recipients/" target="_blank">View</a> a full list of 2025 Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant recipients.
	</li>
</ul>

“For nearly 30 years, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has been guided by a simple notion: when women thrive, communities thrive,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. “From funding innovative women’s cancer research to strengthening services for survivors of domestic violence, at our core we are empowering communities, restoring hope, and giving women the chance to live longer, healthier, safer lives.”

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation has awarded more than $98 million to women’s shelters and domestic violence service providers, as well as cancer research programs and related causes throughout the U.S. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.marykayashfoundation.org" target="_blank">marykayashfoundation.org&nbsp;</a>

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About Mary Kay Ash Foundation®&nbsp; 
Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer, donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit <a href="http://marykayfoundation.org/" target="_blank">marykayashfoundation.org</a>, or find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MaryKayAshFoundation/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marykaycares/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.

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Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications 
<a href="https://newsroom.marykay.com/" target="_blank">newsroom.marykay.com</a>

The&nbsp;Mary Kay Ash Foundation®, an unwavering champion of supporting survivors of domestic violence and advocating for women’s safety, announced it has awarded more than $1 million in cancer domestic violence shelter grants around the country.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation® Awards Nearly $1.3 Million in Grants To Restore Hope for Survivors of Domestic Violence

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Laura Gosselin took up writing mainly because her teachers complimented her work. “It was the only thing I was ever good at in school,” she admitted. This skill would eventually lead Gosselin to securing a Master’s in Fine Arts, landing a children’s book deal and getting hired at Habit Burger &amp; Grill as its PR and communications lead – this was her expected path.

But a chance dinner led her to an unexpected side hustle as the cofounder of Give Back Pack. Her friend, Holly Hoffman Ratzlaff, had just come from her child law class that had covered the nuances of the foster care system, which became the topic of discussion that evening.

“I could not believe that a social worker shows up to a house with a trash bag, tells the kid to collect all their things and then takes them away,” Gosselin remembers thinking. “I know that it's for their best interest in most cases, but at the same time, it just felt so scary.”

She went home that night, troubled, but without an immediate solution, she went on with her daily life. It wasn’t until Christmas that Ratzlaff and Gosselin took action, wanting to give to foster kids instead of buying gifts for their friends who already had all their needs met. The pair founded the <a href="https://www.thegivebackpack.com/" target="_blank">Give Back Pack</a>, and that holiday season, donated brand new backpacks, stuffed animals, blankets and pillows to Orange County Social Services, ensuring that foster kids could carry what they cherished in a backpack that they owned – not a trash bag. That was 10 years ago. Since then, the charity has grown to include brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies for back-to-school season, Halloween costumes (new and gently used), and toiletry bags with gift cards and other essentials for teens during the holidays.
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<figcaption>Laura (left) and Holly pack backpacks for foster children.</figcaption>
</figure>

Today, Gosselin still pursues her two passions, dividing her time between the Give Back Pack and writing communications campaigns for Habit Burger &amp; Grill. Learn more about her Habit Burger &amp; Grill role, her side hustle and how the two coexist in a symbiotic relationship.

You obviously have a heart for children. Tell us more about your children’s books.

Living in California, my husband and I had connections in the entertainment industry and were approached by an agent who had a series of illustrated books that needed an author. Our daughter had night terrors at the time, so we wrote a story about these monsters, called the Pinkaboos, who scare away the nightmares in little kids’ dreams. It was a really cool experience – we got to travel around, promoting the books at schools, libraries and bookstores. We even appeared on local newscasts.
<img alt="Cover of the picture book, &quot;Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e48482a-020f-4771-ba6c-2d54651c1822" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Give-Back-Pack_Yum-Brands_100725_1.jpg" class="align-center" width="289" height="420" loading="lazy">
But selling books is a hard business, and in the end, they didn’t fly off the shelves. It was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to let go of; the harsh reality that they were never going to take off.

How do you keep your writing sharp post-Pinkaboos?

I'm lucky enough that I get to write, and I get to write in a creative way because we're always doing these weird and wild campaigns at Habit! Our chief marketing officer, Jack Hinchliffe, is a creative visionary. So, I feel fulfilled at the end of the day; I get to flex that muscle all the time.

Leading communications for the brand that boasts the No. 1 burger in the United States is more than a full-time job. How do you also run a nonprofit?

At night, I’ll send emails, responding to groups that are generous enough to donate to us. We even got the CEO of Tilly’s to sell us high quality backpacks at a steep discount because we want these kids to have something they feel proud of.
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On the weekends, it’s a family affair. Our daughters and my mom all pack backpacks and end up with backaches by the end because you’re constantly bending over. In the fall, we pack them with school supplies. In October, we provide Halloween costumes, and in December, it’s all about holiday gifts. Thank goodness, social services has a big truck that they drive to my house and pick everything up.

How are these backpacks making a difference?

We have 3,000 foster kids and only 300 available homes. Without a home, the kids are sent to institutions and sleep in a big room with bunk beds. And once they grow up, only 11% are deemed successful, and the definition of success in this case means that they hold at least a minimum wage job.

I can’t fix the system, but I can make sure that many &nbsp;foster kids have a toothbrush and toothpaste, so they feel clean, that they have a stuffed animal to hold when they’re lonely, that they have a pillow of their own to sleep on and that all of this is held in a quality backpack, not a trash bag. We cover the basics, so they can focus on more important matters, like their long roads ahead.

Laura Gosselin took up writing mainly because her teachers complimented her work. “It was the only thing I was ever good at in school,” she admitted.

This Habit Burger & Grill PR Lead Helps Foster Children One Backpack at a Time

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<a href="https://www.wesco.com/us/en/our-company/environmental-social-and-governance/esg-report.html" target="_blank">Read the 2025 Wesco Sustainability Report here</a>

Our Wesco Cares Philanthropic Program

Giving back to our communities is an essential part of who we are. That commitment is the inspiration behind Wesco Cares. The corporate philanthropic program allows Wesco to make a positive and lasting impact within the communities where our employees work and reside.

WESCO CARES INITIATIVES
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Corporate Giving: In support of organizations whose missions address affordable housing, humanitarian aid and education with a STEM/STEAM focus.

Employee Gift Matching: Matching of donations up to $5,000 per employee per year1.

Employee Assistance: Providing one-time grants to employees suffering catastrophic loss to help them get back on their feet.

Every year, we are humbled by our employees’ generosity. Many of our locations also support local groups and causes that matter to them. Their acts of kindness have included donating stuffed animals to pediatric hospital patients, supporting domestic violence shelters and more.

We’re grateful for the charitable work of our team members and encourage others to follow suit.

Wesco Cares Corporate Partnerships

Habitat for Humanity International

Our annual pledge to Habitat for Humanity International helps families around the globe attain affordable housing while achieving the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.

This year, Wesco contributed approximately $300,000 to support worldwide projects including Habitat’s Home Equals five-year global advocacy campaign, as well as fund the construction of homes in Monte de Sion, Chiapas, Mexico. The homes will be built with recycled materials and include energy efficient features including a biodigester, solar heating, bathrooms with a rainwater collector and an energy-saving wood stove. Wesco contributed approximately $200,000 towards team builds in the United States and Canada and sponsorship of the 2024 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

Since 2022, Wesco has participated in the completion of nearly 125 home build projects with Habitat for Humanity. Wesco employees participated in projects including new home construction, home repairs and rehab projects with local affiliates within the communities where they work and reside. The company’s work alongside Habitat has ranged from a community renovations project in São Paulo, Brazil, to a roof wind mitigation project in Orlando, Florida, as well as supporting projects in England, Mexico and New Zealand and the Carter Work Project for the last two years.

Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity

Wesco became the inaugural sponsor of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity’s Regional Repair Collaborative in 2023. This partnership is having a profound impact on homeowners in need, fostering stronger and more resilient communities across the region.

The Regional Repair Collaborative, initiated by Chicagoland Habitat, is focused on addressing critical repairs and improvements for homes in neighborhoods served by the seven Habitat affiliate locations in the six-county area.
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As the inaugural sponsor, Wesco provides financial resources and 
employee volunteers to enhance the reach and impact of the Repair 
Collaborative. Our dedication to promoting safe and sustainable living spaces aligns perfectly with Habitat for Humanity’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. In 2024, Wesco contributed $250,000 to Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity and the Regional Repair Collaborative.

<blockquote>
"We are proud to expand our partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Wesco’s mission is to build, connect, power and protect our world and contributing to Habitat’s worldwide projects is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the communities where we live and work."

John Engel, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wesco
</blockquote>

Wesco Cares Corporate Partnerships

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross recognized Wesco for its pledge of $500,000 to the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). By donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief, Wesco helps ensure the organization can quickly respond to disasters big and small across the U.S. and help people in need at a moment’s notice.

ADGP members, along with their employees and customers, pledge financial and in-kind donations in advance of disasters to power the Red Cross with the infrastructure, volunteers, technology and resources to provide relief in times of crisis. These donations enable the Red Cross to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice — offering a safe place to sleep, a nutritious meal, emotional support and supplies to aid in recovery — while also helping prepare people and communities for future disasters.

In partnership with the American Red Cross, Wesco hosted American Red Cross First Aid Kit Builds at 10 of our sites across the country during our annual Day of Caring, providing needed supplies for the Red Cross’s shelter care. Wesco also hosted a MapSwipe event with employees globally, improving the Red Cross’s ability to respond to disasters.

<blockquote>
"We at Wesco are honored to join other ADGP members in empowering the Red Cross to deliver its lifesaving mission."

John Engel, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wesco
</blockquote>

Pittsburgh Penguins

Wesco partners with the Pittsburgh Penguins on the following STEM and STEAM initiatives:

STEAM LENDING LIBRARY

The STEAM Lending Library allows schools in 22 counties across Western Pennsylvania to provide students with access to technological education. Each participating intermediate unit will house a library of learning tools and STEAM-focused toys available to teachers.

STICKS AND STEM AND SCIENCE AT PLAY

Wesco is a participating partner for two in-arena STEM events. Science at Play is a summertime science fair that brings fans to the arena to learn from experts in STEM by participating in hands-on workshops. There is an in- season version of this event, Sticks and STEM, that has similar workshops on the concourse but is followed by a Penguins game where students can see science at play in the game of hockey.

<a href="https://www.wesco.com/us/en/our-company/environmental-social-and-governance/esg-report.html">To learn more, download the 2025 Wesco Sustainability Report here.</a>

1Please note, this amount has increased for 2025 to $5,000 per employee per year.

About This Report

Unless otherwise stated, this report covers activities, data and initiatives from our fiscal year 2024.

We also regularly engage with our investors, employees, customers, regulators, ratings agencies and others on ESG and business issues. Additional information about Wesco can be found in our public financial filings— including our annual report and proxy filings—as well as on the Security and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov or on the Investors page of our website at Wesco.com.

Giving back to our communities is an essential part of who we are. That commitment is the inspiration behind Wesco Cares. The corporate philanthropic program allows Wesco to make a positive and lasting impact within the communities where our employees work and reside.

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