KeyBank

Nielsen

IBM: Creating, Enhancing, and Restoring Habitats To Support Biodiversity

Navigating Home Ownership: Balancing Spending and Saving for Financial Success 

Climate Central and Nielsen Release Climate Report: Connecting the Dots

<img alt="2 people carrying lumber" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a34a219c-927b-4933-a472-fc69fff0c51f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pic2_SE_41624.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="801" loading="lazy" /><ul><li>‘25 Years Young’ celebrates the 25th anniversary of the foundation</li>
	<li>A global call for contributions will award impactful and innovative youth projects</li>
</ul>PARIS, April 23, 2024 /CSRwire/ - To mark the 25th anniversary of its foundation, Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, is launching a global campaign in celebration of both this key milestone and the next generation of young leaders committed to building a fairer, low-carbon society.

‘25 Years Young’: A Celebration of Youth and 25 Years of Action  
Founded in 1999 under the aegis of the Fondation de France, the Schneider Electric Foundation supports changemakers driving sustainable development, promoting social inclusion, and empowering communities worldwide. Throughout 2024, the foundation will celebrate the world’s youth by raising awareness of their social and environmental impact and mobilizing the support of company employees. The high point of these celebrations is the launch of a global call for contributions with the foundation’s social entrepreneurship partner, <a href="https://www.changemakers.com/en" target="_blank">Ashoka</a>.

Ever since its creation, the Schneider Electric Foundation has been a pioneer in supporting positive initiatives to tackle growing social challenges and many innovations are driven by young people from around the world. The foundation is honoring them on its 25th anniversary by supporting their future, our future, helping them to make an impact for a fairer energy transition.
<img alt="2 people looking at a picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a22f3be1-2540-4401-a500-47e6e1b85f6e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pic4_SE_41624.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />“Youth Innovation For A Sustainable Future”: A Global Call for Contributions  
The call for contributions titled ‘Youth Innovation For A Sustainable Future’ with <a href="https://www.changemakers.com/en" target="_blank">Ashoka’s program Changemaker Companies</a> aims to select 25 of the most impactful and innovative youth projects across all five continents (Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East). This global call for contributions focuses on professional training, entrepreneurship and a fair transition, and a 50,000-euro prize will be awarded to the winning project during the COP29 climate summit in Bakou, Azerbaïdjan. Those projects selected will also benefit from increased visibility across the social media channels of both Schneider Electric’s Foundation and Ashoka’s network of countries.

Gilles Vermot Desroches, Senior Vice President of Schneider Electric Corporate Citizenship and Institutional Affairs and General delegate of the Schneider Electric Foundation declared:

“The younger generation is playing an influential role in how we shape tomorrow's innovative solutions. From the outset, the SEF has valued the contribution of youth, and therefore, considers the importance of supporting young people to nurture both future generations and our planet.”
<img alt="people high fiving" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="423780ab-3db0-400c-b0d6-a98f364ec9d1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/highfives_Schneiderelectric_042224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />About the Schneider Electric Foundation 

In a world where social and environmental challenges are more widespread and more urgent than ever, the Schneider Electric Foundation supports innovative and forward-looking initiatives to give as many people as possible the energy they need to succeed.

Always forward-looking and optimistic, the goal of the Schneider Electric Foundation is to play a part in creating a fairer, less carbon-intensive society that gives future generations the tools to transform our world.

About Ashoka

Ashoka is the largest global network of leading social entrepreneurs — individuals with new ideas to systemically address the world’s biggest challenges and the entrepreneurial skill to transform those ideas into national, regional and global social impact. Over 40 years, Ashoka has supported more than 3,800 social entrepreneurs in 90 countries with solutions addressing society’s most pressing issues. Ashoka’s vision is a world in which Everyone is a Changemaker — a society that responds quickly and effectively to challenges, and where everyone has the freedom, confidence and societal support to address any social problem. 

For more information, visit ashoka.org.

About Schneider Electric 

Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.

We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

<a href="http://www.se.com" target="_blank">www.se.com</a>

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next-generation automation on <a href="https://www.se.com/ww/en/insights/" target="_blank">Schneider Electric Insights</a>.

Schneider Electric Foundation Turns 25 and Launches the ‘25 Years Young’ Campaign

<img alt="People standing together on a red carpet along with a blue mascot, holding awards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a9b4ad4-7100-4dae-bbc1-0c6e7bc3a0d4" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/shapes-futures-through-stem-education_THE-CHEMOURS-COMPANY_041824.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="900" loading="lazy" />For the team at Chemours, the communities where we operate are also where we live work and play, and our mutual success is one and the same. We invest time and resources in our communities to make a meaningful difference. That’s the driving force behind our <a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/sustainability/2030-goals/community-impact/vibrant-communities" target="_blank">goal of building vibrant communities</a> by investing $50 million in expanding access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, sustainable environment programs, and safety initiatives. One way we do this is through the Chemours Future of Engineering, Science, Trades, and Technology School Partnership Program (<a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/sustainability/2030-goals/community-impact/vibrant-communities/chemfest" target="_blank">ChemFEST</a>).

Last year, <a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/about-chemours/global-reach/belgium" target="_blank">Chemours Belgium</a> joined hands with Technische Scholen Mechelen (TSM) to establish the company’s first ChemFEST partnership outside of the US. This 3-year agreement was intended to promote the significance of STEM education and inspire students to explore their love for science and technology. Isabel Welters, a Nafion™ Technical Service Specialist at Chemours, led the multi-faceted plan to transform the school's STEM facilities, with plans to inaugurate the refurbished technical lab and classrooms by the second half of 2024.

Beyond the ChemFEST partnership, Welters, in collaboration with the Belgium Chapter of the Chemours Women's Network (CWN), has been integral to other STEM-related activities. An event titled "Str@ffe Madammen" co-organized by Welters and the CWN saw participation from over 150 female students from TSM, who were provided with insights into career opportunities in STEM. Additionally, the team recently hosted a unique STEM day at the Mechelen plant for 40 students, showcasing their Coatings Production facilities and Technical Services.

Back in our headquarters state of Delaware, the Chemours team recently celebrated an important milestone towards the opening of the Chemours STEM Hub at EastSide Charter School in Wilmington. After breaking ground on the facility in February 2023, Chemours team members joined with community partners and school officials to commemorate the placing of the final beam in the 24,000-square-foot facility.

The Hub—expected to open by early 2025—will serve as a premier access point for STEM education and other development opportunities in the Wilmington community. Made possible in part by a $4 million grant from Chemours in 2021 through the ChemFEST program, the Chemours STEM Hub will offer public spaces for learning and improve access for more students from more backgrounds to be exposed to, excited by, and interested in STEM. 

“We know that shaping the world's future requires great innovators and problem solvers from all backgrounds; it’s why we are committed to taking action and championing change toward a more diverse STEM workforce. Through partnerships – like our ChemFEST school partnership program – we’re helping to support future STEM talent by nurturing students and members of communities who have been underserved, under-resourced, and often overlooked,” said Chemours Chief Brand Officer, Alvenia Scarborough.

And earlier this year, the team at our <a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/about-chemours/global-reach/chambers-works" target="_blank">Chambers Works</a> manufacturing site in New Jersey continued a more than three-decades-long tradition of sponsoring the <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/news/chemours-supports-35th-annual-salem-county-new-jersey-science-fair" target="_blank">Salem County Science Fair</a>. This science fair allows students to apply what they have learned in STEM education in hopes of advancing to the Delaware Valley Science Fair and beyond.

Students concentrate on an area of special interest, collecting and analyzing data while following the scientific method and presenting their findings to volunteer judges.

The various winners received a total of $2,500 from Chemours. This event sponsorship is part of a broader $275,000 Vibrant Community grant where the Chambers Works team partners with Salem Community College (SCC) and the local middle schools to support hands-on learning opportunities to instill a lifelong love of STEM.

Brian Boettler, Chemours Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Senior Consultant, leads the partnership on the site's behalf. 

"Partnering with the local schools and community college is rewarding. We all contribute in our own way to help support the next generation, and that is on full display at the Science Fair,” Brian explained.

These are a few examples of Chemours’ commitment to fostering greater interest and diversity in STEM careers by supporting students in our communities. We are proud to play a key role in shaping the future of our industry and making a positive impact on communities by inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

Chemours Shapes the Future Through STEM Education

<img alt="Volunteers posed in front of a large blue arch outside." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89d69195-448e-40db-a9b7-452b619fa752" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/BioHolidayPark_fedex_041124.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />When Marja Kienhuis, from the FedEx Express P&amp;E European Road Network team, found out that a vacation park dedicated to helping families who need special accommodations was looking for support, she seized the opportunity.

“Our team is always eager to help people who need it through FedEx Cares. When I heard that the <a href="https://www.biovakantieoord.nl/en/" target="_blank">Bio Holiday Park</a> resort nearby was looking for volunteers to do repairs and improvements on their grounds and buildings, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for us to get involved,” says Marja.

The Bio Holiday Park is a unique vacation spot for families who have children with disabilities. The public spaces and vacation bungalows are fully adapted and have the necessary aids to enable families to enjoy a welcome break in safe surroundings. The resort has an adapted swimming pool, an equestrian center with professional guidance tailored for guests, a real cinema, and a variety of other activities.
<img alt="Volunteers doing landscaping work at a park." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41a983d7-6619-48e5-a398-270e7b1ed0a7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/volunteers_fedex_041124.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />Last fall, team members from the Netherlands spent an afternoon doing projects like carpentry and maintenance jobs; reinforcing water holes; replacing old woodwork in the forest to ensure wheelchair access and safety; and landscaping, weed pulling, and other outdoor jobs.

“As a team, we greatly value the opportunities FedEx Cares provides to support local communities. For me, volunteering is very rewarding and it’s a pleasure to lend a hand where I can. At the same time it brings us closer as a team,” says Marja.

Vacation Park for Children With Special Needs Gets Makeover From FedEx Netherlands

<img alt="2024 ESG Leadership Awards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1f8bc90-ae26-4d3f-a41f-670add19e09e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2024-ESG-Leadership-Awards_The-Conference-Board_041824.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="400" loading="lazy" />April 18, 2024 /CSRwire/ - It’s time to celebrate organizations that have moved beyond their public sustainability commitments by integrating sustainability into their business—making a positive impact on the company, stakeholders, society at large, and the environment. Join us as we honor Corning Incorporated, J.M. Huber Corporation, and Michelin North America during the <a href="https://www.conference-board.org/events/ESG-Leadership-Awards" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">ESG Leadership Awards dinner on May 16 in New York</a>.  
By shining a light on exemplary companies, The Conference Board inspires the broader business community to follow in their footsteps. The dinner will provide support to The Conference Board’s programming and publications specifically focused on a key challenge facing corporations today: defining and determining the ROI of Sustainability ESG.  
If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship and attendance, contact Brian Teagle at <a href="mailto:bteagle@tcb.org" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">bteagle@tcb.org</a>.  
You can read more about our impressive award recipients <a href="https://www.conference-board.org/events/ESG-Leadership-Awards" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.  
Accepting the award on behalf of their organizations:  
Thomas French  
Board of Directors  Corning Incorporated  
Gretchen McClain  
President &amp; CEO  J.M. Huber  
Alexis Garcin  
President &amp; CEO  Michelin North America, Inc.  Media Contact:  <a href="mailto:jdiblasi@tcb.org" target="_blank">Joe Diblasi</a>

<a href="https://www.conference-board.org/events/ESG-Leadership-Awards" target="_blank">Read More</a>

You’re Invited to the ESG Leadership Awards Dinner

<img alt="A group of children and an adult posed in front of an exhibit with sea creatures." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a474baf7-52d1-4491-9c18-5c2ab2f88be1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/dropbydrop_LasVegasSands_041624.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="801" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.sands.com/news/drop-by-drop-project-partners-make-progress/" target="_blank">Las Vegas Sands</a>

In 2019, Sands and The WASH Foundation (previously the Clean the World Foundation) established the Drop by Drop Project to support innovative water stewardship projects through grants to local environmental champions in Sands’ host communities of Macao and Singapore.

Managed and operated by The WASH Foundation, the Drop by Drop Project supports initiatives that increase local water resiliency, reinvigorate ecosystems, incubate new water solutions and engage the community. Drop by Drop Project partners have reported significant progress on their identified goals for the program this past year.

Macao

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ), the Drop by Drop Project partner in Macao, has used its funding to study the role of mangroves in reducing plastic pollution in coastal wetlands, marking the university’s third year of participation in the program.

Through its latest Drop by Drop Project grant, USJ collected 100 sediment samples along coastal areas in Macao, and preliminary analysis of results show higher amounts of microplastics in the mangrove areas than areas without vegetation, indicating mangroves’ success in entrapping plastic to preserve ecology. The USJ team also measured the impact of water movement on pollution and found that mangrove forests in Macao, particularly areas with more mature trees, are able to attenuate waves.

Both outcomes demonstrate the capacity for mangrove forests to capture plastic pollution and point to the value of nature-based solutions to address environmental issues. USJ is using these results to educate and advocate for the protection of coastal wetlands through community engagement activities such as clean-up programs, native wetland vegetation plantings and educational initiatives. In addition, the university is preparing an article on its research results for peer-reviewed journals, as well as presenting at scientific conferences and meetings.

USJ also invested some of its Drop by Drop Project resources into awareness activities and engaged approximately 40,000 students and community members, including Sands China Team Members, in an array of initiatives. Activities included conducting public lectures about plastic pollution, holding a mangrove planting event in collaboration with the Macao government and creating a mobile exhibit for school visits.

Last June, Sands China hosted USJ’s Sea of Plastic exhibit, which featured installations made from recycled plastic, at The Venetian Macao. Created mostly by local students and artists, art pieces included sculptures of marine and coastal organisms with scientific display boards to provide essential information on the harmful effects of plastic pollution in the oceans.
<img alt="A group of people cleaning a beach." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="511c1e16-f9bf-4f3e-b016-643b560ab5ef" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/beachclean_lasvegassands_041624.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="900" loading="lazy" />Singapore

Conservation International, an organization that supports research, education and awareness about the need to responsibly and sustainably care for natural resources, has been a Drop by Drop Project partner for the past two years. The international nonprofit organization is using its grant funding to advance its Singapore priority on educating youth about the importance of sustainability and empowering them to be advocates for environmental responsibility.

Conservation International used its Drop by Drop Project grant to propel two key programs. First, the grant has enabled the organization to continue its five-part Ocean Conservation Virtual Learning Series, which features educational videos, interactive activities and informational guides to promote ocean conservation literacy and environmental advocacy among youth leaders.

Conservation International also took a big step forward with its advocacy work in Singapore by implementing the inaugural 10 for Zero award program, which identified and empowered 10 Singapore youth leaders who are advocating for a future of net zero carbon emissions and zero waste.

With Drop by Drop Project funding, Conservation International built the award program’s infrastructure and identified the first 10 for Zero recipients, who were honored in a ceremony at Marina Bay Sands last May. Awardees are now working with the nonprofit to curate their experience in the program and will participate in local and international environmental research, climate summits and workshops through December 2024. Conservation International also will connect award recipients to an exclusive network of global conservation experts for mentorship and coaching.

“The Drop by Drop Project is fueling significant contributions to promote sustainability and raise awareness of these organizations’ important work, which has a multiplier effect as more people become educated about environmental issues,” Manohar Shenoy, executive director of The WASH Foundation, said. “Our partnership with Sands as the funder of these leading organizations and their critical priorities has injected resources into Macao and Singapore to propel critical advancements in protecting their local habitats and natural ecology.”

Sands’ support for the Drop by Drop Project is part of the Sands ECO360 global sustainability program, which guides Sands’ work to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices in regions around the world.

To learn more about the Drop by Drop Project, visit: <a href="http://cleantheworldfoundation.org/dropbydrop" target="_blank">cleantheworldfoundation.org/dropbydrop</a>. To learn more about Sands ECO360, read the company’s latest ESG report: <a href="https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/" target="_blank">https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/</a>

Drop by Drop Project Partners Make Progress in Advancing Environmental Sustainability Through Grants From Sands

Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, released its 2023 ESG report which speaks to priorities and progress within the focus areas of People, Planet, Food, and Governance. 
“Dine Better, Together is how we describe our intention to combine business growth and competitive strength with our ESG commitments,” says John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands. “At Dine we remain motivated to provide more than an exceptional dining experience, and we recognize the opportunities to make meaningful impact in the communities that we serve.” 
The 2023 Dine Better, Together report highlights include the following:

<ul><li>Achieved the Great Place to Work Certification™ for the second consecutive year.</li>
	<li>13.6 metric tons of food donated by Dine’s Glendale and Pasadena Restaurant Support Center as well as Applebee's and IHOP U.S. Franchisees and their Distribution Centers.</li>
	<li>$1.7 million raised by Applebee's U.S. franchisees to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.</li>
	<li>$708,471 raised by IHOP Puerto Rico and Mexico franchisees as of 2023 to support children's charities.</li>
	<li>$627,000 raised by Fuzzy’s since 2014 for No Kid Hungry.</li>
	<li>565,362 free meals served to U.S. active-duty military and veterans on Veterans Day at Applebee's and IHOP.</li>
	<li>100% Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) free achieved at Applebee’s and IHOP, one year ahead of goal.</li>
	<li>11 million Applebee’s gift cards transitioned from plastic to paper stock, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).</li>
	<li>48 million pieces of IHOP to-go packaging transitioned away from carbon black pigment, which prevented the containers from being recycled.</li>
	<li>35.2% of eggs for U.S. restaurants were cage-free, exceeding the 33% target set for 2023. The company is on track to achieve 100% cage-free eggs in the U.S. by the end of 2025.</li>
</ul> 
The report showcases Dine’s momentum in operating with ESG at the core, driven by our strong partnership with team members, franchisees and their restaurant employees, suppliers, and communities. This year’s publication highlights Dine’s progress and emphasizes the integration of these efforts in alignment with our business operations. 
For more information on the 2023 Dine Better, Together report, please visit <a href="https://www.dinebrands.com/en/social-good" target="_blank">https://www.dinebrands.com/en/social-good</a>. About Dine Brands Global, Inc. 
Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees, supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® brands. As of December 31, 2023, these three brands consisted of over 3,500 restaurants across 18 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual segment. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company’s website located at <a href="https://www.dinebrands.com/" target="_blank">www.dinebrands.com</a>.

###

Media Contact: 
Lauren Costabile 
Dine Brands Communications <a href="mailto:MediaInquiries@dinebrands.com" target="_blank">MediaInquiries@dinebrands.com</a>

Dine Brands Releases 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report

<img alt="electric vehicle at charging station " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9a3cf30-420a-4a99-b1b6-f1c208515172" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/DP%20World%20electric%20trucks%20Peru.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />Here at <a href="https://www.dpworld.com" target="_blank">DP World</a>, we understand the environmental toll of global trade. Port operations are notoriously carbon-intensive; the transportation sector creates one-third of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, of which <a href="https://www.oecd.org/ocean/topics/ocean-shipping/#:~:text=The%20main%20transport%20mode%20for,comes%20with%20opportunities%20and%20challenges." target="_blank">shipping accounts for nearly 3%</a>. 

In an era where environmental sustainability is no longer optional but imperative, DP World is investing in decarbonizing its port operations and steer trade towards a more sustainable future.

On April 4, 2024, we unveiled the first charging station for electric trucks at our terminal on the South Dock of the Port of Callao in Peru. This initiative makes Callao the first port terminal in Latin America to feature this type of infrastructure, promoting decarbonization, environmental stewardship, and operational efficiency.

Electrification at the Forefront

Our latest venture in Callao is another step forward in DP World’s efforts to become carbon neutral by 2040 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The station, which is powered by 100% renewable energy, features 10 fast chargers of 200 KW each, and will be used to charge our fleet of 20 electric ITVs (internal transport trucks). This setup not only supports our fleet but also propels the port towards carbon neutrality.

The charging station, equipped with a 2-megawatt substation and dual-vehicle CCS2-type connectors, also incorporates a smart charge management platform that monitors energy consumption and CO2 emissions savings. Supplementing this, 60 KW of rooftop solar power is used to power the station, further reducing our grid energy dependency.

A Sustainable Milestone

The introduction of this electric charging station is projected to reduce DP World's carbon emissions significantly, preventing the release of 2,145 metric tons of CO2 equivalents annually at the Port of Callao. Given Peru's standing as 38th globally for air pollution (according to the 2022 World Air Quality Report), this reduction is not just a corporate achievement but a national benefit, highlighting our commitment to enhancing air quality and reducing environmental impacts.

Broadening the Impact

DP World's commitment extends beyond Callao. In our continuous pursuit of innovation, last year we also <a href="https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/788796-dp-world-bolsters-green-initiatives-perus-port-callao-15-electric-cranes" target="_blank">integrated 15 new electric cranes</a> into our operations at the port. DP World has also been making other investments in sustainability at the Port of Callao. 

This electrification project is not just about adopting new technologies; it's about setting a precedent for the maritime and logistics industries worldwide. By pioneering such initiatives, we aim to encourage widespread adoption of clean energy practices, not just in Peru but across the globe.

This initiative makes Callao the first port terminal in Latin America to feature this type of infrastructure, promoting decarbonization, environmental stewardship, and operational efficiency.

Pioneering Sustainable Trade: DP World Implements Charging Station for Electric Trucks at Peru’s Port of Callao

<img alt="Black &amp; Veatch technician piloting a drone vehicle." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb21ca42-c50c-4e53-b346-6cca936a4b9a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/BV_Drone_Solutions_Black%20%26%20Veatch_3.29.24A.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.bv.com/perspectives/three-reasons-energy-utilities-should-consider-using-uavs/" target="_blank">Originally published on Black &amp; Veatch Insights</a>

Three Reasons Energy Utilities Should Consider Using UAVs

Virtually every industry is utilizing Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and reality capture technology. First responders, environmental scientists and even farmers use UAVs and thermal imaging to streamline their operations. In the power sector, forward-thinking engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms are using UAVs and reality capture technology to optimize design, permitting, construction and maintenance for utilities across the country. Energy utilities should consider the following three reasons to utilize UAVs for the construction of new infrastructure and operations of existing assets:

1. Prioritize Safety

Since utility poles were first conceived decades ago, it’s been an iconic image: an energy utility’s lineman carefully climbs to perilous heights to assess transmission lines and hardware. With the application of aerial UAV technology, the risk of this labor-intensive and potentially dangerous work can be reduced. These are a few cases where energy utilities may consider leveraging UAVs and reality capture technology to prioritize personnel safety:

<ul><li>Assess high-voltage power line damage after a severe weather event</li>
	<li>Monitor equipment located in confined spaces</li>
	<li>Evaluate the structural integrity of tower-mounted equipment</li>
	<li>Perform vegetation management to reduce wildfire risk</li>
	<li>Make informed, data-based decisions during emergency situations</li>
</ul>Mitigate Access Limitations

Access limitations of infrastructure assets (due to location or asset type) are increasing the use of ground-based UAV technology to minimize risk to utility personnel. With UAVs and other remote-enabled technology, these types of inspections can be done without placing humans at dangerous heights. Aerial footage can be reviewed in real-time from the ground. These concepts don’t just apply to operations and maintenance (O&amp;M) but for the construction of new infrastructure as well.

Manage Outages

Energy utilities deliver essential services to our communities; even the most well-planned service outage has associated safety concerns. Without reliable power, everything in our society comes to a screeching halt. Businesses cannot operate and the safety and well-being of community members is at risk. UAVs reduce risks to community members by allowing utilities to detect, isolate and repair damaged infrastructure with minimal and more effective shutoff procedures. By optimizing O&amp;M practices, UAVs reduce outages and equipment downtime.

2. Save Time and Money

UAVs and reality capture technology replace outdated and inefficient methods of surveying and inspections. Before beginning a construction project, UAVs can be used for accurate photographic site investigations and terrain monitoring. With this new data, engineers can proactively mitigate construction issues by making design changes ahead of time – saving money by eliminating re-work in the field and optimizing the project schedule. The benefits extend beyond the construction timeline; this technology offers a new way to visualize data, creating a topographic and underground utilities digital twin that can be used throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.

Optimize Efficiency

UAVs save time and money on equipment inspections and structural evaluations. For example, a power plant may typically need to schedule an outage and rent scaffolding to inspect equipment high off the ground; using UAVs instead eliminates the scaffolding costs and associated manpower, in addition to the revenue that would have been lost during equipment downtime.

Collecting data via ground-based UAVs is faster than collecting data on foot; this data can be assessed on a handheld tablet in real-time, empowering energy utilities to make informed O&amp;M decisions. During construction, efficiency improvements may include:

<ul><li>Quality control monitoring for change-order management</li>
	<li>Volumetric calculations of dirt cut/fill to managing hauling costs during construction</li>
	<li>Terrain change assessments after storms to facilitate re-design of grading plans as necessary (mitigating schedule delays)</li>
</ul>Increase Accuracy

The growing number of operating assets creates unique challenges for energy utilities. O&amp;M is evolving, with geographically dispersed assets and reliability expected from customers. UAVs, combined with advanced analytics of the data collected, help utilities detect issues, prioritize responses, balance the costs and generate the most effective return on investment (ROI). This ROI from UAVs and reality capture technology is further realized through quicker schedules, reduced outages and equipment downtime, less on-site personnel and more reliable data. As geospatial technology continues to advance, the overall accuracy of ground-based UAV data increases as well. Sophisticated cameras, sensors and GPS integrated within UAVs are becoming more affordable — enabling highly accurate data at a lower cost. With the appropriate data processing techniques, accuracy can be expected to be within less than a quarter of an inch.

3. Enhance Transparency

UAVs and reality capture technology expose the activities of EPC firms – in a good way. Energy utilities often choose to contract with EPC firms not only for construction projects, but also for O&amp;M of existing assets either in an advisory or staff augmentation capacity.

Monitor Construction Activities

During the construction process, the EPC firm can monitor project site activity and materials management, closely manage subcontractors and hold the team accountable by carefully documenting on-site safety and progress in alignment with the schedule. As clients, energy utilities have access to the same data mapping program to monitor the construction progress and schedule with their own leadership teams. From an environmental perspective, UAVs and reality capture technology facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements. For example, UAVs can be used to monitor and mitigate water runoff and erosion concerns to protect surrounding farmland, wetlands, and rivers.

Support the Full Infrastructure Lifecycle

Data visualization drives action throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. The real magic happens after a UAV flight has been completed. For example, energy utilities can use UAVs to create a geospatially accurate digital twin of the entire construction site; this 3D model can be continuously updated to optimize O&amp;M throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. By deploying UAVs for O&amp;M purposes, stakeholders can see performance outliers, address them as needed and integrate feedback loops into operational best practices. Sharing historic and current data with all project stakeholders encourages effective communication and planning; accurate, consistent, and clear data visualization allows personnel to identify issues or risks that would otherwise be missed.

Next Steps: Collaborate with an Expert Advisory Partner to Guide the UAV Technology Journey

Leveraging innovations in UAV technology and capabilities offers energy utilities a significant ROI through minimized risk, informed decision-making, optimized schedules and operational transparency. Organizations that are interested in implementing UAV technology may be concerned about training personnel, making major process changes, and procuring equipment and software. Fortunately, expert advisory partners are available to make the process easy so utilities can enjoy the benefits without the hassle. Consider working with an established EPC firm that offers the following in-house capabilities:

<ul><li>Established UAV fleet management system with emphasis on safety</li>
	<li>Airspace regulation considerations</li>
	<li>Support in navigating regulatory agency permit and waiver applications</li>
	<li>In-house subject matter experts that are knowledgeable about a variety of aircraft types</li>
	<li>Rigid competency training and testing for uncrewed aircraft pilots</li>
	<li>Accessible cloud-based software to collect and visualize data</li>
	<li>Topographic digital twins, capturing all vegetation and underground utilities</li>
</ul>Backed by over 100 years of innovation in the construction industry, Black &amp; Veatch employs a growing network of FAA-certified UAV pilots to better serve our power, water and telecommunication clients. We employ uncrewed aircraft pilots across North America, with expertise in 3D point cloud mapping, Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) mapping, Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) mapping, LiDAR and infrared. Having pilots who specialize in different aspects of projects makes Black &amp; Veatch UAV Charter and team of pilots uniquely qualified to provide recommendations throughout all phases of the infrastructure lifecycle. <a href="https://www.bv.com/contact-us" target="_blank">Contact us</a> to discuss how UAVs can be used to address construction, engineering and O&amp;M for energy utilities.

Virtually every industry is utilizing Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and reality capture technology. First responders, environmental scientists and even farmers use UAVs and thermal imaging to streamline their operations.

Leverage Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles for Engineering, Construction, Operations and Maintenance

<img alt="Employees wearing purple, in a group outside" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d543d23a-561f-4abb-9e71-18a9796a575d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-employees-wear-purple-epilepsy-awareness_JAZZ-PHARMACEUTICALS_032824_0.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="960" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jazz-pharmaceuticals_2024-purple-day-activity-7178314748587892739-TL5f/" target="_blank">Originally published by Jazz Pharmaceuticals</a>

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=purpleday&amp;highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7178314748587892739" target="_blank">Purple Day</a> spotlights epilepsy and the challenges that people face when living with the condition. 
Jazz wants the epilepsy community know that they are not alone and showed support by sporting purple in some surprising places! 
We are also proud to be the presenting sponsor for the Fifth Annual Purple Day® For Epilepsy Awareness Around The World Expo in Florida. The expo brings the epilepsy community together to spread awareness of the condition and learn more about the support available. We were delighted to be able to attend this year’s event and meet some of the members of this inspiring movement.
<img alt="Two people standing outside wearing purple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d45284b9-45a5-4100-a4ec-74b3ef13ac03" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/3-employees-wear-purple-epilepsy-awareness_JAZZ-PHARMACEUTICALS_032824_0.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="952" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="7 people standing inside together wearing purple, three with purple mouse ears" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f8c4215-5dde-49b5-a051-3fd76414f71f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/4-employees-wear-purple-epilepsy-awareness_JAZZ-PHARMACEUTICALS_032824_0.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="946" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="Smiling person wearing purple with a palm tree behind them" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11de3b22-a012-4c36-9004-7d0163177fa7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/5-employees-wear-purple-epilepsy-awareness_JAZZ-PHARMACEUTICALS_032824_0.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="960" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="A group of people inside with purple balloons and a purple yoga ball" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25f7c905-d871-432a-9597-2a72f53fb15f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/6-employees-wear-purple-epilepsy-awareness_JAZZ-PHARMACEUTICALS_032824_1.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="961" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="Person outside wearing purple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7edf1c94-8256-4742-a73d-37ec8476d638" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/8-employees-wear-purple-epilepsy-awareness_JAZZ-PHARMACEUTICALS_032824.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="962" loading="lazy" />

Purple Day spotlights epilepsy and the challenges that people face when living with the condition.

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