KeyBank

Nielsen

IBM: Using AI To Power Sustainable Buildings

KeyBank Ranks Among Top SBA Lenders in Washington State

Climate Central and Nielsen Release Climate Report: Connecting the Dots

<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="SR23 Report cover collage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cdfc7ad2-92ea-4b40-89fa-c771e308cb03" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/SR23-report-alert-visual-final.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1584" loading="lazy" />At Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we are committed to tackling some of the most critical global challenges facing us today. Our efforts to create a fairer, healthier and more sustainable world center around three main goals: achieving human progress for more than one billion people through sustainable science and technology, fully integrating sustainability into our value chains, and becoming climate neutral while reducing resource consumption. Our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/" target="_blank">2023 Sustainability Report</a> details our encouraging progress toward meeting these goals. Our ongoing commitments to climate and environmental action 
In 2023, we continued on our path toward achieving <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/environment/climate-action.html" target="_blank">climate-neutral operations</a> across our value chain by 2040. We decreased our direct and indirect emissions across scopes 1 and 2 by 17% compared to the previous year. At the same time, we increased the global share of electricity we procured from renewable sources to over 50%, progressing toward our target of 80% by 2030. The Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) we have in place mean that by 2025, renewable energy certificates will cover 100% of our electricity purchases in Europe, 90% in North America and 70% in all other regions. 
In addition, we enhanced our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/strategy-management.html" target="_blank">sustainability strategy</a> by intensifying our focus on biodiversity and a circular economy. For example, we conducted comprehensive biodiversity impact assessments for our sites, which will provide a baseline for further quantitative analysis. These efforts help us to more effectively prioritize future biodiversity initiatives and restore our natural environment. As part of working toward a circular economy, we have set a new target of achieving a 70% circularity rate across our entire Group by 2030. Diversity, equity and inclusion – empowering women in management positions 
We remain committed to fostering <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/employees/diversity-equity-inclusion.html" target="_blank">diversity and equity</a> and creating a genuinely inclusive culture for all employees. We reinforced this commitment with our goal to achieve gender parity in management positions globally by 2030. In this year’s report, we are pleased to announce we increased the share of women in management roles to an all-time high of 39%. Sustainability in our supply chains – driving change across the industry 
We are continually working to make our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/business-ethics/suppliers/supply-chain-management.html" target="_blank">value chains</a> more sustainable. One of the key first steps has been gaining a better understanding of our global supplier network. Two-thirds of our suppliers now have a valid sustainability assessment, a significant improvement compared to 46% the previous year. Additionally, in 2023, we began including primary greenhouse gas emission data from service providers (scope 3.1) in our calculations. We also continuously strive to create more sustainable innovations and technologies for our customers. For example, in our Life Science business sector, we grew our Greener Alternative Products portfolio to 2,500 products in 2023, a 34% increase from the previous year. Access to medicines – continuing the fight against schistosomiasis 
For the last 15 years, we have been on a dedicated mission to eliminate the neglected tropical disease <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/products/health-for-all/global-health.html" target="_blank">schistosomiasis</a>. In 2023, we donated over two billion Praziquantel tablets and supported various programs that combat this dangerous parasitic illness in Sub-Saharan Africa and other tropical areas. In addition, we treated 84 million patients and secured approval for an innovative pediatric treatment designed for young children aged three months to six years. Thanks to these milestones and our ongoing collaboration with strong, long-term partners, we are steadily progressing toward eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health concern by 2030. Sharing sustainability insights 
Transparently communicating our sustainability efforts helps to maintain the trust of our patients, customers, partners, employees and suppliers. Therefore, our 2023 Sustainability Report provides an interactive experience using a variety of digital formats. In <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/stories.html" target="_blank">a unique story section</a> of the report, we highlight a broad range of hands-on topics and projects on issues such as Green Chemistry, digital ethics in AI, sustainability in R&amp;D and access to health, illustrating our commitment to sustainable progress. 
We prepared our 2023 Sustainability Report in accordance with the 2021 GRI Standards. The report also reflects the requirements of the <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/facts-figures/sasb-index.html" target="_blank">SASB standards</a> and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (<a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/facts-figures/tcfd-index.html" target="_blank">TCFD</a>). Our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/annualreport/2023/management-report/non-financial-statement.html" target="_blank">non-financial statement</a>, in accordance with the German Commercial Code (HGB) and applicable <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/annualreport/2023/management-report/non-financial-statement/further-topics/reporting-in-accordance-with-the-eu-taxonomy-regulation.html" target="_blank">EU Taxonomy Regulation disclosures</a>, forms part of our 2023 Annual Report. About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany 
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 countries. 
The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Social Media: 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/emdgroup" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/emdgroup</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/EMDGroup" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/EMDGroup</a> 
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/emd-affiliates-of-merck-kgaa-darmstadt-germany" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/emd-affiliates-of-merck-kgaa-darmstadt-germany</a> 
YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MerckKGaADarmstadtGermany" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/MerckKGaADarmstadtGermany</a> Media Contact Info: <a href="mailto:judith.rahner@merckgroup.com" target="_blank">Judith Rahner</a>: 
+49 6151 72 7694 <a href="mailto:timo.breiner@merckgroup.com" target="_blank">Timo Breiner</a>: 
+49 151 1454 2512

<a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Harnessing Science and Technology for a Fairer, Healthier and More Sustainable World

<img alt="A long row of solar panels. A wind turbine in the distance." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99c2a2a6-c470-4898-bcea-7442214095b4" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/innovationaward_bloomberg_041624.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />Originally published on <a href="http://about.bnef.com/" target="_blank">about.bnef.com</a>

BloombergNEF (BNEF) announced the winners of its 2024 Pioneers award, recognizing 11 early-stage companies working to introduce technologies and products that will accelerate global decarbonization and halt climate change. This year, the winners include companies developing software to accelerate renewables buildout, expand heat pump deployment, create new biofuel feedstocks and standardize biodiversity monitoring – among many others.

Since its inception over a decade ago, the <a href="https://about.bnef.com/bnefpioneers/" target="_blank">BNEF Pioneers program</a> has witnessed significant advancements in the development and implementation of technologies and solutions aimed at decarbonizing the global economy. Greenhouse gas emissions, however, are also still rising, and there are many urgent obstacles to overcome for the world to reach net-zero emissions.

The BNEF Pioneers award aims to highlight companies that are making significant strides in sectors or areas that still face challenges in meeting net-zero goals. This year, BNEF invited nominations from ventures specifically targeting three climate-tech innovation areas:

<ol><li>Relieving bottlenecks in the deployment of clean power</li>
	<li>Decarbonizing the construction and operation of buildings</li>
	<li>Creating the next generation of net-zero fuels</li>
</ol>The competition received nearly 250 applications from 40 countries. The BNEF analyst team evaluated candidates against three criteria: the potential impact on greenhouse gas emissions and the planet, the degree of technology innovation and originality, and the likelihood of adoption and potential scalability.

The winners of the 2024 BNEF Pioneers are:

Challenge 1: Relieving bottlenecks in the deployment of clean power

<ul><li><a href="https://envelio.com/" target="_blank">Envelio</a>’s Intelligent Grid Platform uses a digital twin of distribution power grids to automate connection studies, enabling connection requests to be processed up to 20 times more quickly than they have been in the past.</li>
	<li><a href="https://pvcase.com/" target="_blank">PVcase</a> is a software company aiding in site selection, design, development and permitting of solar projects.</li>
	<li><a href="https://tsconductor.com/" target="_blank">TS Conductor</a> has developed a power cable with a carbon-fiber core with current-carrying capacity three times higher and line losses 50% lower than traditional cables.</li>
</ul>While renewables are already being installed at record levels globally, annual solar and wind installations will need to increase threefold by 2031 and sixfold by 2050 to reach net-zero emissions. Today, deployment is less hindered by costs than by slow grid build-out, grid connection backlogs, permitting challenges and supply-chain constraints.

Two of the winners in this category have developed software to help streamline the design, permitting and grid connection bottlenecks associated with deploying clean power. Envelio’s software automates processes in grid connection studies, allowing renewables to come online faster, while PVcase’s software tools enable solar project developers to automate site selection and reduce design and yield-estimation times. By contrast, TS conductor is seeking to update the cable hardware used to move renewable electricity through the grid. Once deployed, its high-capacity conductor could maximize the use of existing transmission infrastructure to increase grid capacity and thus circumvent several permitting bottlenecks.

Challenge 2: Decarbonizing the construction and operation of buildings

<ul><li><a href="https://www.aeroseal.com/" target="_blank">Aeroseal</a> uses a proprietary system to seal air vents and building envelopes, boosting energy efficiency and thermal comfort.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.celsiusenergy.com/en/" target="_blank">Celsius Energy</a> plans, designs and installs ground-source heat pumps for commercial buildings using an innovative titled-angle borehole drilling process, and sells a digital control platform for those heat pumps.</li>
	<li><a href="https://kel.vin/" target="_blank">Kelvin</a> sells and installs heat pumps, thermal-storage systems and radiator enclosures for decarbonizing heating and cooling in apartments.</li>
</ul>These BNEF Pioneers are working effectively to combat carbon emissions from the operation of buildings – a sector accounting for <a href="https://www.iea.org/energy-system/buildings" target="_blank">a third</a> of global final energy consumption. Scaling low-energy technologies for heating and cooling is paramount. Cooling demand for residential buildings is set to increase by 115% by 2050 under BNEF’s Net Zero Scenario, and heating demand is set to be twice that.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for decarbonizing this sector: different building types demand different services, and the Pioneers are tackling the problem from an array of angles. Aeroseal deploys aerosolized sealants to reduce air leakage in air vents and building envelopes, thereby reducing energy consumption. The other two Pioneers are redesigning the structure and operation of heating systems themselves. Celsius Energy’s heat pump system uses a closed, pyramid-shaped heat exchanger and digital platform to minimize the amount of space needed at ground level for installing the heat pump system. Kelvin’s radiator enclosures, heat pumps and thermal storage systems enable residential apartments, considered tough to decarbonize, to reduce heating-related emissions by 80%.

Challenge 3: Creating the next generation of net-zero fuels

<ul><li><a href="https://www.covercress.com/" target="_blank">CoverCress Inc.</a> has developed a winter oilseed crop called CoverCress that can be harvested and used as a feedstock to produce biofuels.</li>
	<li><a href="https://xfuel.com/" target="_blank">XFuel</a> processes convert waste feedstocks, such as waste oils and lignocellulosic waste, into marine gas oil and other sustainable fuels.</li>
</ul>Next-generation fuels need to offer sufficient performance, scalability, economics and sustainability – while limiting land use. The two winners in this category have developed new technologies for alleviating feedstock constraints, one by bioengineering a pennycress cover crop and the other by pioneering new methods for converting waste streams into fuels.

CoverCress Inc.’s crop produces a low-carbon-intensity feedstock for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production that can be grown between a corn-soybean rotation on land that would otherwise lay fallow. XFuel’s two core technologies produce sustainable fuels (recycled carbon fuels and biofuels) from lignocellulosic biomass and waste oils.

Wildcards:

<ul><li><a href="https://elementzero.green/" target="_blank">Element Zero</a> uses an electrolysis process that is compatible with intermittent renewable power to convert low-quality iron ore fines into high-quality iron for steelmaking.</li>
	<li><a href="https://li-metal.com/" target="_blank">Li-Metal</a> produces lithium-metal anodes from lithium carbonate, which can be used in solid-state batteries to further improve energy density.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.naturemetrics.com/" target="_blank">NatureMetrics</a> offers a standardized way to use environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to measure biodiversity health at scale.</li>
</ul>The Wildcard winners are organizations working outside of this year’s three core subject areas. Two of these have developed innovations for reducing the pollution associated with industrial processes. Element Zero’s process does not contain any membranes, and the high heat capacity of the solvent used means the process can maintain its temperature without power for hours. Li-Metal produces lithium metal, and lithium-metal anodes for automakers and battery developers, using 40% less energy than conventional production. Lithium-metal anodes will be a complementary technology to solid-state batteries.

The final Wildcard Pioneer is a leader in monitoring the health of the natural environment. NatureMetric’s kits use environmental DNA to measure biodiversity health, enabling clients – predominantly large corporates – to calculate and monitor the impact of their activities more comprehensively.

About BloombergNEF

BloombergNEF (BNEF) is a strategic research provider covering global commodity markets and the disruptive technologies driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our expert coverage assesses pathways for the power, transport, industry, buildings and agriculture sectors to adapt to the energy transition. We help commodity trading, corporate strategy, finance and policy professionals navigate change and generate opportunities.

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BloombergNEF (BNEF) announced the winners of its 2024 Pioneers award, recognizing 11 early-stage companies working to introduce technologies and products that will accelerate global decarbonization and halt climate change. 

BloombergNEF Announces 11 Climate Innovators As the Winners of the 2024 BNEF Pioneers Award

<img alt="A person stood in front of a building with their arms folded " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c9924d4-593b-469e-80d2-c24c8e6c3de0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/corporate-ComcastRISE_Comcast_041724.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="563" loading="lazy" />KEY TAKEAWAYS

<ul><li>Small businesses in Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville, Richmond, VA and southern Colorado, are now eligible to apply for a comprehensive package that includes business coaching sessions, education resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production, media schedules, and technology makeovers.</li>
	<li>Now in its fourth year, Comcast RISE has awarded 13,500 small businesses with over $125 million in monetary, marketing, and technology grants.</li>
</ul>PHILADELPHIA, April 23, 2024 /CSRwire/ - Comcast announced a new round of businesses in five regions will receive grants through Comcast RISE, providing 500 more small businesses with comprehensive packages that include business coaching sessions, education resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production, media schedules, and technology makeovers.

Comcast RISE is committed to supporting the growth of all small businesses, while advancing the objectives of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as community investment. The program was created to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth.

Beginning on May 1, and through May 31, eligible businesses in Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville, Richmond, VA and southern Colorado can apply for a grant package at <a href="https://www.comcastrise.com/" target="_blank">www.ComcastRISE.com</a>. A total of 100 grants per region, or 500 grants overall, will be announced in August 2024, bringing the total number of recipients to date to 14,000.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and are essential to building strong and thriving local communities,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast. “Comcast RISE is proud to help strengthen and empower these small businesses and entrepreneurs to expand and grow."

Comcast RISE was created in November 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19, from bakeries and barber shops to childcare centers and cleaning services, by providing the grants needed to survive and recover.

The program has evolved from helping businesses survive the pandemic, to helping businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth.

Grant packages will include:

<ul><li>Coaching Sessions - Business assessment and coaching that provide business owners with recommendations on how to help grow their businesses.</li>
	<li>Education Resources - 12-month access to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules and resources for small business owners.</li>
	<li>Monetary Grant - $5,000 monetary grant.</li>
	<li>Creative Production &amp; Media - Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and a 180-day linear media schedule. (Taxes and other fees may apply for production and media services.)</li>
	<li>Technology Makeover - Computer equipment and Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for 12 months. (Taxes and other fees may apply for tech makeover services.)</li>
</ul>In addition, any small business owner can visit the Comcast RISE destination on X1 featuring aggregated small business news, tips, insights, and more. X1 customers can say “Comcast RISE” into the voice remote.

Comcast RISE is part of <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up" target="_blank">Project UP</a>, the company’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators.

More information and the applications to apply for either the grant program or marketing and technology services are available at <a href="https://www.comcastrise.com/" target="_blank">www.ComcastRISE.com</a>.

Comcast announced a new round of businesses in five regions will receive grants through Comcast RISE, providing 500 more small businesses with comprehensive packages.

Comcast RISE To Provide Grant Packages to 500 More Small Businesses in Five Regions

<img alt="Clorox Sustainable Products " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="314ec22e-9a7e-4fbd-b1f8-cfb3437e9285" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/CLOROX%20PRODUCTS%20%281%29.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1747" loading="lazy" />Innovation at Clorox is all about building trusted brands people love that meet their ever-evolving needs. We mainly do this by developing products that use less packaging overall and/or more sustainable packaging materials and leave less waste behind after they’re used. Here are a few of our latest product launches created with the planet in mind:

<ul><li>Brita recently introduced a <a href="https://www.brita.com/products/refillable-starter-kit/" target="_blank">Refillable Filter,</a> which reduces plastic waste by 80% compared to the standard filter over the course of three years. Compatible with nearly all existing Brita systems, this refillable filter comes with a reusable plastic shell so only the refills — which are made of coconut husks and can be recycled through <a href="https://www.brita.com/better-world/recycling-filters/" target="_blank">Terracycle</a> — get discarded.</li>
	<li>Burt’s Bees unveiled a new <a href="https://www.burtsbees.com/product/lip-sleeping-mask/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=BOG%7CGeneric%7CST%7CP%7CPMAX%7COther%7CBroad%7CEnglish%7CENKW-ENBR&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw5ImwBhBtEiwAFHDZx_m_GyTDKFK_YDZr01nkPGFuIyCExzTC7dRHu64Tj8D8B4hI8B_M5RoCuEUQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds#792850660564" target="_blank">Lip Sleeping Mask</a>, which contains responsibly sourced beeswax and comes in 96% post-consumer recycled plastic packaging. Additionally, the business rolled out a mango edition of its popular shea collection, including <a href="https://www.burtsbees.com/product/shea-body-oil/" target="_blank">Body Oil</a> and <a href="https://www.burtsbees.com/product/shea-mango-hand-body-butter/" target="_blank">Hand &amp; Body Butter</a>, which uses shea butter responsibly sourced from women-led communities in West Africa.</li>
	<li>Pine-Sol just launched a new <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pine-sol-announces-reformulated-multi-surface-cleaners-delivering-2x-the-cleaning-power-302106769.html" target="_blank">2x concentrated formula</a> for both its retail and professional multisurface cleaners. Because it now offers twice the cleaning power in a smaller bottle — 40% smaller for retail and 50% smaller for professional — that means less plastic is used per drop of cleaning solution.  Additionally, these new Pine-Sol bottles are made with a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.</li>
	<li>To accompany the new <a href="https://shop.clorox.com/products/clorox-scentiva-disinfecting-mist#044600605302" target="_blank">Clorox Scentiva Disinfecting Mist</a>, there’s a bottle refill option to help keep additional plastic waste from the trigger out of landfills. Plus, when the shrink sleeve is removed from these bottles, they’re recyclable in many municipalities (per the instructions on the bottle).</li>
</ul>Read more about Clorox’s recent sustainability progress and impact <a href="https://www.thecloroxcompany.com/blog/earth-month-2024-spotlighting-sustainable-innovation-and-growth/" target="_blank">here</a>.

Innovation at Clorox is all about building trusted brands people love that meet their ever-evolving needs. We mainly do this by developing products that use less packaging overall and/or more sustainable packaging materials and leave less waste behind after they’re used. 

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