Covia

WESCO International

WK Kellogg Company

Covia Innovation Center: Where Minerals Power What’s Next

Wesco 2025 Sustainability Report: Employee Engagement and Recognition

WK Kellogg Co Launches New K-12 Innovations to Support Student Nutrition and Wellbeing

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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

ONE YKK Vision Anchors New Medium-Term Plan in 2025 Integrated Report 
Sustainability is not just a priority at YKK—it is the foundation of its global business strategy. In its latest integrated report, This is YKK 2025, the company outlines its FY2024 achievements and FY2025 initiatives under the banner of Contributing to a Sustainable Society as ONE YKK. These efforts advance the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, a long-term commitment to climate neutrality and harmony with nature. This vision is structured around five key themes: climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect for people—all aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
&nbsp; 
“Sustainability is not a slogan—it’s a strategy,” said Koichi Matsushima, President, YKK Corporation. “With our Net-Zero commitment and the ONE YKK vision, we are taking bold steps to transform our business, empower our people, and lead the way toward a circular economy.” 
&nbsp; 
Driving Toward Net-Zero Emissions — Climate change 
YKK’s goal to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by FY2050 has been officially validated under the SBTi Net-Zero Standard. The company is targeting a 90% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by FY2050 compared to FY2018 levels, covering both its operations and supply chain.1&nbsp;YKK’s climate leadership has been recognized with a second consecutive CDP “A List” rating and its third designation as a Supplier Engagement Leader. Key achievements include:

<ul>
	<li>Cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 57% from FY2018 levels, reducing total emissions to 234,679t</li>
	<li>Lowered Scope 3 emissions by 14.4%, reducing total emissions to 747,276t across the supply chain</li>
	<li>Boosted renewable energy usage to 61.2% of total power consumption</li>
	<li>Transitioned 45 global sites to 100% renewable energy, including full conversion in the China region</li>
	<li>Expanded solar energy capacity, adding 7 new facilities for a total of 34 operational sites</li>
	<li>Initiated equipment upgrades to phase out coal-fired boilers and reduce fossil fuel dependency</li>
</ul>

&nbsp; 
Innovating for Circularity and Resource Efficiency — Material resources 
YKK is accelerating circularity through innovative product design and material reuse. Key achievements include:

<ul>
	<li>Increased use of sustainable materials to 48%, marking a 10-point year-on-year improvement</li>
	<li>Transitioned 20% of packaging materials to sustainable alternatives</li>
	<li>Raised waste recycling rate to 93.9%,2&nbsp;up 2 points from the previous year</li>
	<li>Prioritized sourcing from suppliers certified with “The Copper Mark”,3&nbsp;and actively encouraged others to pursue certification</li>
	<li>Introduced NATULON Plus® with Recycled PET Open Parts to support garment-to-garment recycling</li>
	<li>Launched Revived Renewal Components, extending garment lifecycles through repairable components</li>
	<li>Conducted in-house recycling trials at the Kurobe Plant for copper and zinc alloys used in zippers</li>
	<li>Promoted environmental stewardship through tree-planting and clean-up initiatives</li>
</ul>

&nbsp; 
Strengthening Water Stewardship — Water resources 
YKK continues to reduce water consumption and manage water quality across its operations. Key achievements include:

<ul>
	<li>Reduced total water intake by 7.5% compared to FY2018, reaching 10.638 million tons</li>
	<li>Monitored and addressed water intensity, which increased by 3.2%4&nbsp;year-on-year</li>
	<li>Installed new production and recycling facilities at 15 sites to lower water consumption</li>
	<li>Managed wastewater quality in accordance with ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines</li>
	<li>Implemented water risk mitigation activities to safeguard local ecosystems and communities</li>
</ul>

&nbsp; 
Ensuring Chemical Safety and Supply Chain Compliance — Chemical management 
YKK is committed to responsible chemical management throughout its supply chain. Key achievements include:

<ul>
	<li>Engaged 1,793 suppliers by sharing the updated YKK Restricted Substances List (RSL 2024) and conducting compliance surveys</li>
	<li>Updated the YKK RSL for 2025, reflecting evolving social expectations and customer requirements</li>
	<li>Monitored chemical safety compliance through testing with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 1005&nbsp;(44 companies) and AFIRM RSL6&nbsp;(39 companies)</li>
	<li>Deployed ZDHC MRSL7&nbsp;compliance assessments using InCheck reports across 17 production sites</li>
	<li>Identified and replaced non-compliant materials in the YKK RSL (2024 version), driving innovation in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes</li>
	<li>Established a cross-functional task force to address YKK RSL non-compliance across departments</li>
	<li>Initiated regular inspections at chemical management sites to prevent soil contamination and ensure environmental safety</li>
</ul>

&nbsp; 
Championing Human Rights and Fair Labor Practices — Respect people 
YKK continues to uphold ethical labor standards and human rights across its global operations. Key achievements include:

<ul>
	<li>Implemented weekly monitoring systems to manage working hours at all manufacturing sites, ensuring fair labor conditions</li>
	<li>Strengthened human rights due diligence by conducting self-assessments at 51 locations and third-party audits at 24 locations, based on the YKK Global Criteria of Compliance (YGCC)</li>
</ul>

&nbsp; 
YKK remains committed to engaging stakeholders and driving sustainability across its global operations. Detailed progress and performance metrics are available in the <a href="https://www.ykk.com/english/csr/eco/report/pdf/2025/this_is_YKK_2025_all_en.pdf" target="_blank">2025 Integrated Report</a>, with additional ESG and financial data in the accompanying <a href="https://www.ykk.com/english/csr/eco/report/pdf/2025/this_is_YKK_2025_data_en.pdf" target="_blank">Data Book</a>. YKK invites stakeholders, partners, and customers to explore the full report and collaborate in shaping a more sustainable and circular future.

&nbsp;

<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%">
1 Emissions within the remaining 10% of the net-zero target must be reduced to zero through carbon sequestration and removal.

2 According to the definition of “recycling” under Japanese law, it includes both material recycling and thermal recovery.

3 The Copper Mark certification is an international framework for responsible production and contributing to the UN SDGs in the copper industry

4 Due to the use of water resources for environmental measures at the Kurobe Makino Plant in FY2024.

5 OEKO-TEX® is a registered trademark of ÖTI-Institut für Ökologie, Technik und Innovation GmbH

6 Apparel and Footwear International Restricted Substances List

7 Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Manufacturing Restricted Substances List 
 
Media Contact: 
YKK Corporation&nbsp; 
Corporate Communications Group 
<a href="mailto:k_ykk@ykk.com" target="_blank">k_ykk@ykk.com</a>

Sustainability is not just a priority at YKK—it is the foundation of its global business strategy. In its latest integrated report, This is YKK 2025, the company outlines its FY2024 achievements and FY2025 initiatives under the banner of Contributing to a Sustainable Society as ONE YKK.

YKK’s Net-Zero Commitment Drives New Business Strategy for Decarbonization and Circular Economy

<img alt="Electric FedEx vehicles" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f24d183-3e16-4a7d-a8bc-faa9d00aa17b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/introduces-electric-vehicles-australian-operations_FEDEX_100625.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="563" loading="lazy">
AUSTRALIA, November 18, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has announced the introduction of 55 electric vehicles (EVs) to its parcel pickup and delivery fleet in Australia. The vehicles comprise of Fuso eCanter trucks and Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vans, which will operate in pickup and delivery services across metropolitan areas.

The initial rollout will commence in Adelaide with the introduction of 15 Fuso eCanter trucks hitting the road. This marks the first phase of a broader expansion, with the remaining EVs to be 
deployed in major cities including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The company plans to expand into additional regional and metropolitan areas as new charging infrastructure is installed.

The newly deployed electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them ideal for daily parcel pickup and delivery. The Fuso eCanter trucks are estimated to avoid up to 13.2 tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions per vehicle annually when travelling 30,000 kilometres compared to diesel models, with an estimated range of up to 200 kilometres on a single charge.

Meanwhile, each eSprinter is projected to avoid up to 8.5 tons of CO2 tailpipe emissions per year based on estimated distance travelled compared to a diesel-powered equivalent, featuring a 1.5-ton load capacity and a 264-kilometre range on a full charge.

“The introduction of these electric vehicles to our pickup and delivery fleet in Australia marks a pivotal moment in our operations, ” said Peter Langley, Regional Vice President, FedEx Australasia.

“It is an important initial step we have taken to help reduce the environmental impact of our pickup and delivery operations while continuing to provide the efficient and reliable service our customers expect.”

As e-commerce continues to grow and consumers become more environmentally conscious, we believe that embracing electric vehicles is a strategic imperative for a cleaner and more sustainable future. We are not just delivering parcels and freight; we are taking tangible steps to help build a more sustainable future for the communities we serve.

“Mr. Langley added.This electrification initiative reinforces the goal of FedEx Australasia’s parent company, FedEx Corporation, to electrify the entire FedEx global parcel pickup and delivery (PUD) fleet by 2040 and achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040 across its global business lines.

The introduction of the new EV fleet in Australia follows a recent successful launch of EVs in New Zealand, further reinforcing FedEx Australasia’s efforts to support FedEx Corporation’s wider global strategy to reduce operational emissions across its network.

Beyond vehicle electrification, FedEx Corporation is also investing in other areas such as aircraft modernisation, sustainable fuels, renewable energy, efficient facilities, and is also

supporting carbon sequestration research in pursuit of the company’s sustainability goals.

***

About Federal Express Corporation

Federal Express Corporation is one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments by a definite time and date. For more information about FedEx and its services, please visit <a href="https://www.fedex.com/en-au/home.html" target="_blank">www.fedex.com.au</a>.

Click <a href="https://fedexcares.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has announced the introduction of 55 electric vehicles (EVs) to its parcel pickup and delivery fleet in Australia.

FedEx Introduces Electric Vehicles to Its Australian Operations

<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img align-center">
<img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67e363b9-07db-4e5e-8055-6c169ce251f8" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/10-years-why-companies-deliver-climate_SAP_111125.png" width="640" height="803" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Ten years ago, the Paris Agreement reshaped global climate ambition. Image: REUTERS/Susana Vera</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/11/10-years-on-why-some-companies-deliver-on-climate-and-others-don-t/" target="_blank">Originally published on World Economic Forum</a>

Ten years after the Paris Agreement reshaped global ambition, a clear divide has emerged. Some companies are translating climate pledges into measurable progress; others remain trapped in cycles of reporting and rhetoric. Understanding this divide matters more than ever, because the 2020s should not be yet another decade of declarations. We need this decade to be a decisive delivery window for a livable planet.

The freshly published <a href="https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/48854;jsessionid=0D3FB5DD308A6AC9136D52927E018E2D" target="_blank">United Nations Environment Programme’s Emissions Gap Report 2025</a> shows modest but insufficient progress.

Click <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/11/10-years-on-why-some-companies-deliver-on-climate-and-others-don-t/" target="_blank">here</a> to read more on World Economic Forum

Ten years after the Paris Agreement reshaped global ambition, a clear divide has emerged. Some companies are translating climate pledges into measurable progress; others remain trapped in cycles of reporting and rhetoric.

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