The Sustainability Pendulum Won’t Land Where It Started

SAP — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:25:00 -0400

Previously published by the World Economic Forum

Sophia Mendelsohn, Chief Sustainability and Commercial Officer, SAP

While the once-popular environmental, social and governance metrics of 2021 have gone out of favour and been deprioritised, sustainability is set to gain vigour with the rise of AI.
Sustainability will be repositioned as a lever of competitiveness, with investment in renewable energy sources and an expanded calculation of climate risk exposure that includes physical assets as well as emissions.
AI can assess the credibility of sustainability reporting with greater accuracy through better-performing models and expanded assessment capabilities.

The enthusiasm for environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics that flowed through capital markets in 2021 has faded.

What pushed it out of favour and, for some, down the list of strategic priorities, is familiar by now: political resistance, regulatory uncertainty, greenwashing crackdowns and geopolitical conflicts. What’s pulling it back is newer – artificial intelligence (AI).

Now, sustainability’s standing is a pendulum: a combination of forces swung it out into unpopular territory but it is about to swing back. However, pendulums never swing back to exactly where they were originally.

I have argued before that AI needs sustainability more than sustainability needs AI. That’s because a technology built on land, water, and power is only permitted to scale where it is trusted and that trust rests on the discipline sustainability leaders have spent two decades building.

The pendulum's return is that dependence is becoming visible on three fronts: competitiveness, risk exposure, and energy security.

What sustainability looks like in the age of AI

Here are the three places I expect the pendulum to settle.

1. Competitiveness is the new net zero

Energy has become the input cost of intelligence. Access to cheap, clean, consistent power now shapes who wins the AI race and when grid capacity bottlenecks the decade's biggest growth story, renewable energy requires no moral argument.

The International Energy Agency projects that electricity demand from data centres will roughly double to around 945 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2030 (slightly more than Japan's entire consumption today), with AI as the most important driver of that growth.

The infrastructure buildout behind those numbers is enormous; big-tech AI infrastructure spending is approaching the scale of global upstream oil-and-gas investment. Securing energy has moved from a net-zero objective to a matter of industrial strategy.

Investors increasingly describe the energy transition in the language of security, resilience, independence and competitiveness rather than carbon reduction. On the demand side, the same AI that strains the grid can optimize energy, materials and logistics in ways that feed directly into margin.

Scaled responsibly, AI is a source of competitiveness and resilience rather than a system stressor.

2. Reporting will reward trajectory, not snapshots

Current mandatory reporting remains material for the largest companies, even as the European Union has delayed and narrowed parts of its reporting and due-diligence regime.

However, its growing complexity will matter less than the compliance industry fears because AI is making disclosure cheap and routine. Once that happens, disclosure is no longer a barrier to smaller companies. A report any company can generate is a report no company can win with. Attention needs to shift from what your emissions are to where your capital is going.

The debate about transition portfolios has moved from excluding high emitters to asking whether a company is deploying serious capital into decarbonization, even while its current emissions remain high.

Investors are judging transitioners on trajectory and not just their current carbon intensity.

Investment theses for companies such as German energy firm RWE, which allocated most of its 2024 cash CapEx (capital expenditure) to offshore wind and onshore wind and solar, or Porsche, whose battery-electric vehicle share reached 22.2% in 2025, are increasingly tied to portfolio transformation rather than the legacy on the books.

Trajectory claims, though, invite a question which snapshots never faced: how do we know you'll actually do it? This is where AI cuts both ways. The same tools that write the reports can check them against CapEx plans, supply chain data and even satellite imagery.

One recent study ran large language models across satellite images and the environmental claims of 214 European companies. Only 26% of the claims could be positively confirmed; 7.5% were flatly contradicted by what the satellites showed; the rest sat in a grey zone the models could not yet resolve.

The bar is therefore moving from disclosure to verifiable reduction, tied to your business model. As autonomous systems begin to act rather than advise, emissions adjustments and supplier decisions will need to be recorded and traceable in the financial ledger like any other transaction.

3. Physical climate risk will finally be priced

AI keeps lifting the ceiling on what climate models can compute and better models mean insurers, lenders and investors can quantify physical climate risk at the level of individual assets.

Underwriters are already using forward-looking climate outputs to differentiate between locations and assets that once looked identical on paper. My expectation is straightforward: physical climate risk will soon receive the analytical attention that carbon emissions receive now: priced and moved onto the balance sheet.

The irony is that the industry building the risk models is also their most motivated customer. AI infrastructure is a rapidly growing pool of physically exposed capital. A data centre is not a metaphor; it is a very large building that runs hot, drinks water and pulls power, often in places already under climate stress.

Industry analysis suggests that climate-related insurance costs for data centres could triple or quadruple by 2050 without decisive mitigation and adaptation. This means the data foundation behind a company's climate-risk decisions is becoming one of its more valuable assets.

How to prepare for the return swing of sustainability

The pendulum will come to rest wherever claims can be verified. Companies whose sustainability data can survive an auditor, an insurer and an AI reading satellite imagery will find the swing at their backs. Everyone else will be explaining themselves to the machines that performed the checks.

The corporate world has spent the past few years speaking less loudly about sustainability. That period is ending because AI has reattached sustainability to the things companies cannot ignore: energy costs, insurable risk and the credibility of their own claims.

The transition opportunity now runs well beyond pure-play renewables into grids, electrification equipment, industrial transformation and adaptation. Companies still treating sustainability as a narrow compliance exercise will miss the industrial realignment underway.

Preparing for the swing means more than getting your claims in order. Your stakeholders (investors, non-government organisations, community activists, your own business-to-business client accounts) no longer count on your PDF as the single source of truth.

They will arrive with more information about your sustainability trajectory than ever before and with the scenario-planning power to use it.

Continue reading here.

Antea Group UK Expands Environmental Services With Arboricultural Consultancy and Tree Survey Capabilities

Antea Group UK — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:05:00 -0400

LONDON, September 30, 2026 /3BL/ - Antea Group UK is pleased to announce the launch of its dedicated Arboricultural Consultancy and Tree Survey Services, further expanding the firm's environmental planning offering.

The blossoming service line is supported by the recent appointments of Iain Waddell as Service Line Director and Tiara Wijaya as Senior Arboricultural Consultant. They join our highly established Principal Consultant, Peter Morrell. This offering helps clients navigate planning requirements, environmental constraints, and responsible development across projects throughout the UK.

Antea Group UK's arboricultural team provides specialist support throughout the project lifecycle, from early feasibility and planning through construction and ongoing tree management. The team delivers arboricultural advice, surveys, assessments, and risk management services that help clients balance development objectives with tree protection.

Leading the service line is Iain, bringing more than 16 years of experience delivering arboricultural advice for planning, infrastructure, utility, and development projects across the UK. He has extensive expertise in BS5837 surveys, arboricultural impact assessments, tree risk management, and arboricultural support for major development and infrastructure projects.

"Trees are increasingly important considerations in planning, development, infrastructure delivery, and long-term asset management," said Iain. "Our goal is to provide practical, commercially focused arboricultural advice that helps clients understand constraints early, manage risk effectively, and make informed decisions while protecting valuable tree assets. By combining arboricultural expertise with Antea Group UK's broader environmental capabilities, we can support clients in addressing tree-related challenges within the wider context of project delivery and environmental stewardship."

Within the wider team, Peter brings complementary arboricultural and ecological expertise that supports an integrated approach throughout the planning and development process. With over 30 years’ experience in the environmental sector, including over 25 years as an ecologist, Peter provides a valuable link between the ecology and arboriculture disciplines through his role planning and undertaking surveys in both fields. Peter also volunteers for the British Trust for Ornithology, undertaking breeding bird surveys as part of the BTO’s annual Breeding Bird Survey. 

Tiara brings expertise in BS5837 tree surveying, arboricultural assessments, tree protection planning, tree risk management and technical report writing, with experience across development, utility and infrastructure projects.

Their combined experience complements the team’s broader capabilities and supports effective liaison with clients, contractors, local authorities, multidisciplinary teams, and statutory and non-statutory bodies.

“The strengthening of our arboricultural consultancy services into its own service line is a natural extension of our environmental offering and further increases our ability to support clients across the full project lifecycle," said Dr. Paul Dowson, Practice Director, Environmental Planning. "Iain, Peter, and Tiara bring a wealth of technical expertise and practical experience to the team. Their insight will strengthen our ability to help clients navigate complex planning and development challenges."

This service line complements Antea Group UK's wider Environmental Planning capabilities, enabling clients to address arboricultural requirements alongside ecology and other environmental considerations through a single multidisciplinary team.

Learn more about our Arboricultural Services here.

About Antea Group UK 

Antea® Group is an environment, health, safety and sustainability consultancy. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organisations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. We maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organisations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. 

Electric Car Will Accompany Similarly Powered Boat on Historic Trip to Camden

Subaru of America — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Originally published by TAPinto Camden
By Janel "Jaycee" Miller

Firefly, Upstream Alliance's solar-electric boat powered by four-dozen lithium-ion phosphate batteries and the first such boat approved by the U.S. Coast Guard using that type of battery, is about to get an electric-powered shadow.

A loaner Subaru Solterra will accompany Firefly in late summer from Camden, Maine, to Camden, New Jersey, Ronnie Vestnaver, Upstream Alliance's director of regional programs and partnerships, told TAPinto Camden.

The Subaru Solterra and Upstream Alliance boat Firefly are visible in this photo. The two will soon embark on a historic trip to Camden, an Upstream Alliance representative said.Photo Credit: Janel "Jaycee"

“(Upstream Alliance) was looking for a support car to have along the way, and we just thought it would be a unique fit to also provide them with one of our electric vehicles,” Erica McLeod, Subaru of America’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, said.

Continue reading here.

Carnival Corporation Team Members Around the World Unite To Celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day

Carnival Corporation — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:30:00 -0400

MIAMI September 30, 2026 /3BL/ - In celebration of the 41^st International Coastal Cleanup Day, team members from Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL), the world’s largest cruise company, reaffirmed their commitment to marine stewardship and coastal communities through a series of volunteer cleanup events organized in ports and destinations around the world.

Alongside partners and local community volunteers, shipboard and shoreside team members mobilized to help clear debris and collect trash in a variety of communities and homeports. Volunteers represented Carnival Corporation’s world-class cruise lines, its exclusive destinations portfolio and its Center for Simulation and Maritime Training (CSMART), as well as their families and friends.

From Seattle to the Netherlands, Miami to Cozumel, volunteer teams removed debris from shorelines and community environments, including plastic bags, aluminum and other single-use items. These results underscore the company’s commitment to protecting and supporting the vibrant communities, coastal destinations and marine ecosystems in which it operates.

“The oceans, waterways and coastlines we sail are central to what we do, and protecting them is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Lars Ljoen, chief maritime officer of Carnival Corporation. “International Coastal Cleanup Day is a reminder of the impact people can make when they come together around a common purpose. I am especially proud that our teams and partners bring that same commitment to environmental stewardship every day. This attitude is absolutely central to how we deliver extraordinary cruise vacations while honoring the integrity of every ocean we sail, place we visit and life we touch.”

Led by Ocean Conservancy and observed every third Saturday in September, International Coastal Cleanup Day is the world’s largest cleanup event designed to lead and inspire action in support of our oceans. For 41 years, these events have engaged over 19 million people to collect 400 million pounds of trash since their inception.

Among this year’s cleanups, shoreside teams from Carnival Cruise Line gathered at Oleta River State Park in Miami, while Holland America Line teams partnered with a local nonprofit in Seattle for a beach cleanup at Myrtle Edwards Park along the Puget Sound. Costa Cruises employees, together with their families, joined partner associations Piantando and Blue-Life for a river cleanup to intercept nearly 400 pounds of inland plastic, aluminum and other debris from the riverbanks before it reaches wider marine ecosystems. Across the Caribbean, Latin America, Alaska, Florida, Europe and Australia, crew members from various Carnival Cruise Line ships coordinated shore cleanups in partnership with local environmental organizations and port partners. In addition, Center for Simulation and Maritime Training (CSMART) team members in the Netherlands organized a beach cleanup in Almeerderstrand, near the maritime training center.

International Coastal Cleanup Day is one of many conservation-focused volunteering activities carried out by Carnival Corporation and its team members each year. Through its broader Coastal and Beach Cleanups program, as outlined in its 2025 Sustainability Report, the company conducts dozens of events annually spanning multiple continents and engaging thousands of volunteers. In 2025 alone, team members conducted almost 100 total cleanup events across two dozen locations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, removing more than 33,000 pounds of debris.

These efforts are part of the company's overarching sustainability vision to support conservation and local communities, contribute to more sustainable operations, and support long-term company growth and performance. To learn more about Carnival Corporation’s purpose and positive impact worldwide on people and the planet, go to www.carnivalcorp.com/impact.

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About Carnival Corporation

Carnival Corporation is the largest global cruise company and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines – AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn. Carnival Corporation Ltd. trades under the ticker symbol CCL on the NYSE and is a member of the S&P 500.

For more information, please visit www.carnivalcorp.com, www.aida.de, www.carnival.com, www.costacruises.com, www.cunard.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.pocruises.com, www.princess.com, and www.seabourn.com.

Carnival Corporation Media Contacts:

Jody Venturoni, Carnival Corporation, jventuroni@carnival.com

Janna Rowell, Carnival Corporation, jrowell@carnival.com

Small Business Owners Aren’t Losing Their Dream, but They’re Paying More To Achieve It

KeyBank — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0400

CLEVELAND, September 30, 2026 /3BL/ - Small business owners are continuing to combat inflation and rising costs, according to the newly released KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) 2026 Small Business Survey. The survey found that one-third (33%) of owners are absorbing rising costs out of their own paycheck rather than passing them on to customers underscoring the value they place on the relationships they've built.

Still, their resolve hasn’t wavered and they are generating success even amid economic hardship. Nearly every small business owner can point to a tangible win this year - with 94% of owners claiming they made one accomplishment this year, 79% saying two or more and nearly two-thirds (62%) stating three or more in the past year.

Owners described their accomplishments as: keeping prices stable for customers, improving operating efficiency, sustaining their current customer base, adding new products or services, or growing revenue year over year.

The findings underscore the small businesses owners momentum and passion: 88% of owners say they are just as motivated by the original dream that started their business.

“Resilience is at the heart of every successful small business story,” said Oliver Kardos, COO of Business Banking at KeyBank. “Behind each small business is an owner who has persevered through financial uncertainty and stayed committed to their customers and their dream. Their determination strengthens communities, powers our economy, and creates opportunities for the entrepreneurs who follow in their footsteps.”

Inflation Pressure Continues, Cash Flow Improves

Inflation and rising costs remain a dominant threat for the second year running cited by 53% of owners (up from 50% in 2025).

The good news: owners are actively rebuilding their financial position with 23% saying they strengthened cash reserves and 26% saying they paid down debt this year. More than half (54%) of owners are certain they could fund one month of operating expenses from cash reserves alone (up from 33% in 2024).

As compared to last year, fewer owners are in survival mode (17%, down from 23% in 2025) and 28% are actively investing for long-term growth, an increase from 2025 (22%).

Defining and Achieving Success

For small business owners success can be found outside of the balance sheet shaped by a mix of independence, security, and legacy that fuels their resilience even in a challenging economic climate.

Independence and legacy: 51% of small business owners say freedom and autonomy define success while 34% are building something to pass down to family.
Financial stability and stewardship: 46% of owners cite financial security as a core measure of success and 30% are focused on providing good jobs for their employees.

“The findings in this survey reinforce what we've long known: small business owners are among the most resilient and determined leaders in our economy. They navigate uncertainty, seize opportunities and work tirelessly to turn their dreams into reality. At KeyBank, we're committed to helping these entrepreneurs achieve lasting success, strengthen their communities and create a legacy that endures for generations,” said Kardos.

At Key it’s our mission to ensure clients have access to the resources, insights, and financial advice so they can navigate whatever comes their way. For additional insights and resources to help your business visit KeyBank Small Business or connect with your local business banking advisors at a KeyBank branch near you.

Methodology

This survey was conducted online in August 2026 with Centiment and included 1,500 small business owners ages 18-99 from across the United States who own or operate a small-to-medium size business with an annual gross revenue of less than $10 million.

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp's roots trace back more than 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $191 billion at June 30, 2026.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 950 branches and approximately 1,100 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

CFMA: 260921-5015828

Medtronic Named to Fortune 2026 ‘Change the World’ List for Touch Surgery™ Ecosystem and Healthy Neighbor

Medtronic — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:55:00 -0400

September 30, 2026 /3BL/ - Medtronic today announced it has been named to the prestigious FORTUNE 2026 ‘Change the World’ list for its Touch Surgery™ ecosystem and Healthy Neighbor program through Medtronic LABS. The annual list showcases companies working to combat global issues and drive positive social or environmental change.

The recognition highlights how Medtronic is harnessing technology to improve healthcare outcomes from the operating room to underserved communities.

Touch Surgery™ ecosystem transforms the future of surgery
The Touch Surgery^TM ecosystem uses AI to analyze surgery and enables livestreaming for remote collaboration, helping physicians review procedures and improve surgical practices. Connecting the full surgical journey from planning and training to intraoperative collaboration, Touch Surgery now supports thousands of surgeons in 30+ countries worldwide. Announced in July 2026, Touch Surgery^TM Aide, the next-generation compute platform for the operating rooms, extends the platform by adding AI-powered, real-time support. This helps surgeons access actionable insights during robotic and laparoscopic procedures while enabling teams to review cases and continuously improve surgical decision-making.

“Our vision is to make the best surgery available to more people, regardless of where they live,” said Matt Anderson, senior vice president and president, Surgical business at Medtronic. “The Touch Surgery^TM ecosystem enables surgeons to deliver upon intelligence and perform procedures with greater consistency and confidence, helping to advance Medtronic’s commitment to expand access to the best possible care around the world.”

Medtronic LABS addresses health disparities with Virtua Health
In partnership with Virtua Health, the Healthy Neighbor program was designed to address chronic health disparities in Camden, New Jersey. Located just across the river from Philadelphia, Camden residents face a reduction in life expectancy of nearly 16 years compared to neighborhoods just 6.5 miles away. In particular, the rates of diabetes and high blood pressure in Camden are dramatically higher than in nearby communities.

Virtua Health partnered with Medtronic LABS, a nonprofit funded by Medtronic, to bring community health workers directly to the homes of those with high blood pressure and/or type 2 diabetes for ongoing healthcare coordination. Each team member is equipped with a digital health platform, streamlining their work by capturing basic healthcare information, tracking blood pressure and glucose over time, and flagging elevated readings for follow-up. After two years, results from more than 250 patients enrolled showed:

74% of patients with uncontrolled hypertension achieved meaningful improvement, with an average 15-point drop in systolic blood pressure.
69% of patients with uncontrolled diabetes achieved a meaningful improvement with a 1.2% mean drop in A1C.
These improvements in blood pressure and hemoglobin A1C control are linked to a significant reduction in debilitating long-term complications.¹

“Being recognized is not just an honor, but an affirmation that our work at Medtronic to put patients first in every aspect of the business is making a meaningful impact,” said Ruchika Singhal, president of Medtronic LABS. “True innovation in healthcare should be comprehensive – from developing the technology itself to rethinking delivery models – and should improve health outcomes no matter your ZIP code or income.”

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow on LinkedIn.

About Medtronic LABS

Medtronic LABS is a non-profit organization that develops community-based, tech-enabled solutions for underserved patients, families, and communities across the world. By bridging hyper-local services with cutting-edge technology, we provide sustainable and localized healthcare solutions that produce measurable outcomes for all. We have served patients through eight programs across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the United States. To date, we have screened nearly 2M individuals for chronic diseases, enrolled 414,000 in our management programs, and achieved measurable improvements in health and wellbeing for 219,000 patients.

www.medtroniclabs.org

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

¹Uncontrolled hypertension is defined as a baseline reading ≥140/90 (n=58). Uncontrolled diabetes is defined as baseline HbA1c ≥ 8% (n=26). Meaningful improvement in blood pressure is defined as achieving blood pressure control (<140/90) or a ≥10mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure. Meaningful improvement in HbA1c is defined as achieving control (HbA1c <8%) or ≥1% reduction in HbA1c.

This Is Chiara, Turbomachinery Test Bench Leader and Photographer

Baker Hughes Energy Services LLC — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:05:00 -0400

This story first appeared on Baker Hughes’ Energy Forward Stories

Chiara Antonelli is a test bench leader. She recently volunteered at a hospital in Africa, to create a photo-reportage for an Italian humanitarian charity. This is her story.

Hello Chiara. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit more about your current role at Baker Hughes?

Chiara Antonelli

I am Chiara Antonelli. I'm based in Massa, Italy, one of the largest turbomachinery manufacturing plants in this country. I am currently a test bench leader for the turbomachinery string test cell. I coordinate and supervise the testing activities in the plant. It is an exciting job, which I started nine months ago. Previously I was in the planning team for the same department.

I am also a hub leader for the Employee Resource Group Women's Network and for one of our culture initiatives People First at the local site. Click here to find out more about these Baker Hughes programs.

I really enjoy building a network outside of my direct work team, to feed my curiosity and make new connections.

Tech explainer

What is a turbomachinery string test?

A turbine string test is a factory acceptance test where a complete machinery train—typically a driver (turbine/motor), gearbox, and driven equipment (compressor/pump)—is coupled and tested together as one unit. It simulates site operating conditions to verify mechanical performance, vibration, and thermal behavior, ensuring all components operate properly together before field installation.

To validate the entire system, the string test team will identify vibration or misalignment, and avoid expensive on-site, last-minute modifications.

The components tested are gas turbines, compressors, motors, and auxiliaries connected in a "string".

The test monitors bearing temperatures, rotor dynamics, and vibration at full speed and load.

Here is an example of how this can also be done virtually.

Question:

Which Baker Hughes technologies go through testing in Massa?

Chiara Antonelli

We test new turbomachinery units manufactured in the Massa and Florence plants, or upgrades to existing units. As a key part of the supply chain, the test bench is the last department once a unit is being packaged and completed, before dispatch for delivery. The customer can ask for additional testing activities, for both new units and upgrades. This is way to ensure quality checks before our products are installed at the customer sites.

When I mention ‘units’, it can be gas turbines or compressors.

The test carried out is for the main skid and its auxiliaries. We test the skid using the same site operating conditions as at the customer’s site.

We use different configurations for the testing of the equipment, to recreate operating conditions as realistically as possible. My team consists of 15 people, divided into mechanical and electrical sub-teams, and is led by Andrea Riccucci, while I oversee the operational activities.

Tech explainer

What is a skid?

A skid is a modular, steel-framed platform holding auxiliary equipment for gas/ steam turbines or compressors, such as fuel conditioning, lube oil systems, or cooling systems. These self-contained units treat, control, or transport fluids and gases to the main item, improving performance and protecting sensitive components from contamination. Baker Hughes technologies cover virtually every application across the oil and gas value chain, and in other industries, too. Power plants, LNG, and pipeline transmission feature some of the most well-known, innovative solutions.

Question:

Could you please explain what your journey through education and previous roles were, to get to where you are today?

Chiara Antonelli

I am a Management Engineer. I graduated from Pisa University, and I originally joined Baker Hughes in 2022 as an intern working on continuous improvement. Since then, I completed my master’s degree while working with this amazing team. The company gave me the opportunity to take both paths in parallel: academic and professional.

Question:

You recently had the opportunity to volunteer for an unusual project in Africa. Can you please describe how this came about?

Chiara Antonelli

Since 2009, I’ve watched my father, who is an anesthetist, pack his suitcase for humanitarian missions. He would come home with vivid stories of new worlds for my brother and me.

Over the years, I came to understand the deeper meaning of such missions: helping others and receiving in return a profound sense of gratitude.

I have been waiting for an occasion to join him for a long time; I just didn’t really know how to access such an opportunity with my career. My brother is a nurse now, so he will be able to do this as part of his job. But for me it was a little less obvious.

I should also mention, I have always loved photography, I practiced it as a hobby but worked freelance during my studies. I have experience with product marketing and wedding photography. Since becoming an engineer, I have kept it alive when I get the opportunity.

Last year, my dad called to let me know the charity Emergenza Sorrisi he was working with needed a reporting photographer during their next humanitarian mission in the Republic of the Congo (RDC). So, he suggested I send my resume, to see if it would be a good fit for me to join them, and I was accepted in the team!

Chiara Antonelli, right, with her father, in the operating room, dressed up and ready for the next patient when in RDC. 

As you can imagine, ahead of making it to RDC, we encountered logistical complexities, including last-minute travel arrangements, required vaccinations, and safety checks due to the geopolitical situation.

Once in Brazzaville (RDC), everything I had imagined through my father’s stories took shape — the sounds, the colors, the emotions and experiencing this next to him made it even more meaningful.

I was there for a week. I took it as annual leave from Baker Hughes.

From 8am to 8pm, our daily routine was simple: breakfast, then straight to the hospital. While the medical staff was operating, I was staying with the families and the children awaiting treatment and reporting on the day’s activities for the charity, then back for a quick dinner and a rest.

The language barrier was an issue at times, as local people speak French and unfortunately, I don’t. So, we had to go through team mates to translate. It was so gratifying getting to know the patients, discovering their stories and understanding their culture.

Chiara Antonelli (front row) with the Emergenza Sorrisi team and the local staff, in front of Brazzaville's Hospital entrance

Charity description:

Emergenza Sorrisi ETS (Doctors for Smiling Children) is a humanitarian organization that, since 2007, has been providing free specialized surgical care and medical assistance to the most vulnerable children living in fragile contexts, where access to healthcare is limited or non-existent. Active in more than 31 countries, it carries out missions thanks to the voluntary work of over 300 highly qualified doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals, and has given a new life to more than 8,000 children.

The organization’s mission focuses on treating severe craniofacial malformations, burn sequelae, and disabling traumas — including those caused by armed conflicts — which compromise vital functions such as breathing, speech, and nutrition, often leading to social exclusion.

Question:

Can you please explain what happens now with the photos you took during the mission?

Chiara Antonelli

The charity relies on donations from corporate organization and the Italian government for example, as well as private donors. The photography is used to help document the organization’s work around the world, for their website, on social media and for presentations to potential patrons. It is important to record a day in the life of the children and families and the benefits of the work of the mission.

In the week I was there, 43 children were operated on, around double what was expected, thanks to the additional support from the local staff. Patients from all over the RDC come to the Brazzaville Children’s Hospital. The mission staff supported screening and specialized interventions on cranial fascial malfunctions. The team took the opportunity to also train local staff while on site.

The main purpose is to make the process sustainable so that local staff and community can benefit during and after the visit from the team from Italy. I truly felt that what they choose to do for the local community is inspiring.

Chiara Antonelli, with one of the patients post-operation, taking photos for the mission

Question:

Now that you are back at work, can you tell us how you feel this experience already has or will influence your work. What did you learn?

Chiara Antonelli

I think I can explain by referring to the Baker Hughes values, grow, collaborate, lead and care, which are relevant here

I believe empathy or care in this instance is one of the main aspects of this journey for me. You never know what the person in front of you is going through in their life. That’s an important perspective to take in everyday interactions with colleagues and people in general.

Making connections and stepping out of your comfort zone is essential to continue to learn. I was not part of the medical staff, yet I was able to help the patients, families and their children as they were waiting to be seen by the doctors and in the operating room. Taking photos and interacting created a distraction in a very tense situation. I realized I could be of some help, even though I am an engineer in ‘real life’. This was very gratifying and meaningful to me. This also resonated with the collaborate value- taking care of each other and understanding others to help them.

I do feel better equipped to lead, in the sustainable energy development context of our industry. As I mentioned earlier, the mission’s aim is to make work methods more sustainable for future operations in the hospital, well beyond the week of planned interventions. This was a key learning for me. When you do something with people at work, you also teach them how to do it themselves, to make it work. This is very important in my daily work for knowledge transfer, both when I am coaching others and learning.

Finally, I am convinced this experience made me grow not only as a leader, but also as a human. Witnessing the relief and gratitude of the parents, after experiencing the stress and the worry for their children, was priceless. To feel all the emotions of this intense experience, while bringing back so many memories is transformative.

Hunger Action Month: Supporting Healthier Communities Through Better Access to Nutritious Food

CVS Health — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

Millions of people across the United States face food insecurity, making it harder to stay healthy, manage chronic conditions and focus on everyday life. During Hunger Action Month, CVS Health is highlighting the organizations working every day to ensure individuals and families can access the nutritious meals they need.

Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap 2026 study underscores the ongoing challenges many families face in putting food on the table. Nearly 48 million people, including 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2024. With food insecurity affecting every U.S. community, the findings reinforce the importance of local organizations, community collaborations and innovative programs that help connect individuals and families to nutritious food and support healthier outcomes.

Investing in solutions that meet community needs

Because every community faces different challenges, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing food insecurity. CVS Health supports organizations working on the ground to create solutions tailored to local needs.

In recent years, the company and the CVS Health Foundation have invested in nonprofit organizations helping expand food access, provide medically-tailored meals and strengthen community food systems. Recent investments include support for Feeding America's Meal Connect platform, which helps reduce food waste while increasing access to nutritious food, as well as Community Servings' Food is Medicine Accelerator Program, which expands medically tailored nutrition programs through training and fundraising assistance throughout the country.

CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation have also provided funding to nonprofit organizations focused on food insecurity solutions, including No Kid Hungry, Meals on Wheels of New Jersey, Harlem Grown, Windy City Harvest, Central California Food Bank and other community-based organizations working to support healthier outcomes through nutritious meal programs, prescription food boxes, urban agriculture, and community gardening efforts that increase access to fresh, healthy foods. Recently, CVS Health helped support the opening of a new, school-based food pantry inside Woonsocket High School in Rhode Island, giving local students and families immediate access to essential groceries on campus.

Taking action through volunteerism

Addressing food insecurity requires more than financial support. Volunteers play an essential role in helping food banks and community organizations sort, pack, and distribute food to individuals and families facing hunger.

Throughout the year, CVS Health and Aetna colleagues volunteer with food banks, meal programs, community gardens, and nonprofit organizations across the country, helping strengthen local food systems and support neighbors in need. These volunteer efforts provide critical hands-on support at a time when many food banks are experiencing increased demand and serving more families than ever before.

Hunger Action Month is also an opportunity for customers and community members to get involved. Whether volunteering at a local food pantry, participating in a food drive or supporting a community meal program, even a few hours of service can help organizations expand their reach and provide nutritious food to more people.

Building healthier communities together

Creating healthier communities requires both investment and action. Through volunteer efforts, charitable giving and collaborations with organizations working on the front lines of hunger relief, CVS Health colleagues and customers are helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of neighbors across the country.

This Hunger Action Month, CVS Health encourages everyone to find a way to get involved and help build a future where everyone has access to nutritious food.

Learn more about CVS Health's efforts to address food insecurity and support healthier communities.

A Workplace Worth Toasting: Bacardi Continues Its Rise on Forbes’ World’s Best Employers List

Bacardi-Martini, Inc. — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:45:00 -0400

HAMILTON, Bermuda, September 30, 2026 /3BL/ – Bacardi Limited is proving that a workplace worth toasting keeps getting better. The family-owned business has once again been named to the Forbes World's Best Employers list, taking the top spot among spirits companies. Climbing 17 places since last year, in 2026 Bacardi comes in at #69 globally. The jump in ranking reflects a commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow while helping shape the future of the company.

“At Bacardi, great moments start with great people. That's why we listen carefully to what they're telling us, learn from that feedback, and keep evolving. We want people to feel clear on how they can grow, confident they can make their mark, and supported to do their best work,” says Dave Ingram, Chief People and Transformation Officer, Bacardi Limited. “Great workplaces are built by people who care, challenge one another, and grow together. We're proud that Forbes has recognized Bacardi once again for our efforts to build an environment where people can thrive and make a difference.”

The family-owned company is a repeat show on the global list which is based on more than 300,000 independent surveys conducted by Forbes and Statista in more than 50 countries. Participants were asked whether they would recommend a company to family or friends, and to rate it based on such criteria as workplace environment, career advancement, and more.

The family-owned company empowers employees to learn, lead, and make an impact through development opportunities tailored to every stage of their journey. Just as importantly, Bacardi helps employees build a personal connection to the business through hands-on experiences that celebrate its brands and heritage, including mastering cocktail-making techniques, exploring the stories behind iconic spirits, and learning about the company's commitment to its industry and communities. The company consistently maintains high engagement with a 91% participation score in the latest global engagement survey.

Bacardi has been often recognized for its workplace and culture, including repeat appearances on the Forbes World’s Top Companies for Women.

This year’s annual ranking of Forbes’ World’s Best Employers included 900 companies, making this the largest list Forbes has released in this awards program. Read more on Forbes.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 164 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 7,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Media Contact:
Jessica Merz, VP Global Corporate Communications
jmerz@bacardi.com

EarthX Honors Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air With Visionary Leadership Award

International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:10:00 -0400

WASHINGTON, September 29, 2026 /3BL/ - EarthX, an international environmental nonprofit and global convener, today presented the EarthX Visionary Leadership Award to the members of the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air. The award recognizes the Commission’s extraordinary collective leadership and year-long global collaboration to develop the Global Framework for Action, a first-of-its-kind roadmap for making healthy indoor air the norm, not the exception, in buildings everywhere. The award, presented during the International WELL Building Institute’s (IWBI) third annual Healthy Building Policy Summit, was presented by EarthX CEO William Bridge.

“At EarthX, we believe the true measure of a convening is not simply who was in the room, but what becomes possible because those people came together,” said William Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of EarthX. “The Global Commission has done something extraordinary: more than 200 leaders from over 40 countries worked as one team to turn a shared conviction into a global strategy. When it comes to healthy indoor air, the world needs to go far and fast, and the only way to do both is by coming together. This award honors not one individual, but a remarkable act of collective leadership.”

The Global Commission launched at the United Nations during Climate Week in September 2025, uniting leaders across public health, medicine, science, academia, policy, finance, civil society, building science, real estate and industry around the conviction that healthy indoor air is a fundamental human right. Over the following year, Commissioners contributed hundreds of comments, recommendations and refinements to shape a coordinated theory of change grounded in societal engagement and market transformation.

The Commission launched the Global Framework for Action during Climate Week in New York on September 22, 2026. The Framework organizes 40 strategic priority areas and nearly 180 recommendations around nine interconnected levers of market transformation: awareness and public engagement; innovation, research and development; advocacy and policy development; education and training; market demand and incentives; finance and resource mobilization; codes, standards and leadership certifications; partnerships and collaboration; and implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

“The Commission is proof of what can happen when we channel the power of partnership,” said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO of IWBI and Co-Chair of the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air. “Every Commissioner brought their unique experience and expertise to help shape and strengthen the Global Framework, giving the world a shared game plan to transform healthy indoor air into an everyday expectation. EarthX’s recognition is a wonderful tribute to all those Commissioners who made this work possible.”

Designed for governments, businesses, financial institutions, researchers, building professionals, civil society and communities, the Framework connects efforts that have too often advanced separately. It is intended to inform national and regional blueprints, catalyze new partnerships and investment, strengthen professional practice and help decision-makers identify the actions with the greatest potential impact in their own contexts.

“I have spent my career helping build movements, and I know what it looks like when the ground begins to shift,” said Rick Fedrizzi, Executive Chairman of IWBI and a member of the Global Commission. “Healthy indoor air is rapidly approaching a global tipping point. What this Commission has built is the game plan many of us wish we had at the start of earlier market transformations - a shared roadmap that can align leadership, save time and accelerate change. This award belongs to every Commissioner who helped make it possible.”

During the award presentation, Commissioners attending the Summit were invited to stand and come to the stage to be recognized. The honor underscores EarthX’s belief that creating change depends on leaders working across institutional, geographic and disciplinary boundaries toward a shared goal.

The Global Framework for Action is available at wellcertified.com/tools/global-framework-for-action.

About EarthX
EarthX is an international nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to educating and inspiring people and organizations to take action towards a more sustainable future worldwide. EarthX is a member of IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature. Founded in 2011 as Earth Day Dallas by environmentalist and businessman Trammell S. Crow, the Texas-based 501©(3) nonprofit organization promotes environmental awareness and impact through conscious business, nonpartisan collaboration, and community-driven sustainable solutions. EarthX presents ideas, initiatives and actions from some of the world’s best minds and most active participants in sustainability and conservation to audiences around the globe through livestream programming and in person events. Learn more: EarthX.org

About the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air
The Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air is a transdisciplinary alliance of more than 200 leaders and experts from more than 40 countries across every region of the world. Launched at the United Nations during Climate Week on September 23, 2025, the Commission brings together leaders spanning public health, medicine, academia, civil society, building science, real estate and industry. Its shared mission is to make healthy indoor air the norm - not the exception - in all buildings, everywhere. The Global Commission is a multi-year initiative stewarded and supported by the International WELL Building Institute.

Media contacts:
press@earthx.org
media@wellcertified.com

View original content here

GoDaddy Launches Web App Hosting With API for AI Coding Tools

GoDaddy — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Originally published by GoDaddy

TEMPE, Ariz., September 29, 2026 /3BL/ - GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY), the world's largest domain name registrar, just launched Node.js Hosting, giving customers a simpler way to get web apps published, whether they built them themselves, hired a freelancer or used an AI coding tool. Developers and AI coding agents can also create, deploy and manage apps entirely through the GoDaddy API, without opening a dashboard.

AI coding tools make it easier to build websites and applications, but getting them online still often means dealing with hosting, security, domains and other technical setup. Node.js Hosting quickly handles many of those important steps for customers.

When users upload an app as a zip file or connect a GitHub repository to GoDaddy Node.js Hosting, a private preview is created. When they are ready to publish, they connect their domain. Node.js Hosting handles the rest, automatically setting up HTTPS, a content delivery network (CDN) and a web application firewall.

The GoDaddy API gives developers and AI coding tools programmatic control over the app lifecycle, including creating apps, uploading source code, publishing apps, managing environment secrets and reading build and application logs. Every app has separate preview and publish environments, so changes can be tested before they go live. Authentication uses a Personal Access Token (PAT), allowing automated tools to deploy without manual sign-in.

“Getting an app working shouldn’t mean you now have to learn how to host it,” said Bhala Dalvi, CTO, products and AI at GoDaddy. “Too often, builders have to leave the tool they’re using and work through a separate hosting setup just to get their app online. With GoDaddy Node.js Hosting, we’re bringing deployment into that same workflow through our API. GoDaddy handles the build and hosting infrastructure, so people can spend their time improving their app.”

From Finished App to Live Website

Node.js Hosting helps GoDaddy customers:

Deploy from code, not a dashboard. Create apps, deploy, manage secrets and read logs through the GoDaddy API, with PAT authentication for automated tools.
Run apps the way they were built. Apps run as persistent Node.js processes, supporting apps that keep information in memory, run background jobs or maintain open connections.
Spend less time on setup. Upload a zip file or connect a GitHub repository, and GoDaddy handles framework detection, dependency installation and deployment automatically.
Publish with security built in. Published apps include automatic HTTPS, a CDN, a web application firewall and a managed MySQL database.
Keep costs predictable. Node.js Hosting is included with GoDaddy Web Hosting plans, with no per-request, per-gigabyte or per-build-minute charges.

Available Now

Anyone can create up to two private preview apps for free, with no Web Hosting plan or credit card required. A GoDaddy Web Hosting plan is required to publish an app.

Start a free GoDaddy Node.js Hosting preview at GoDaddy.com/hosting/nodejs.

For information on GoDaddy's API, visit developer.GoDaddy.com.

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy, the world’s largest domain name registrar, helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. Airo®, the company’s agentic operating system for small businesses, helps entrepreneurs get their idea online, run their business day-to-day and grow through an integrated identity, presence and commerce experience. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance.

To learn more about the company, visit GoDaddy.com.

KeyBank Names Drue Anderson To Lead Retail Banking

KeyBank — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:55:00 -0400

CLEVELAND, September 29, 2026 -/3BL/ - KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) announced today that Drue Anderson has joined the company to lead Retail Banking. Anderson will guide the next stage of growth for KeyBank’s retail business, with a focus on disciplined execution, client experience and the bank’s long-term strategic commitments. He succeeds Kevin Sloan who is retiring from Key at the end of the year.

Anderson brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in banking to KeyBank. Most recently, he served as Divisional Director of Consumer Banking and Head of Virtual Banking at JPMorgan Chase.

“Drue has a proven track record of scaling retail banking operations, growing market share and delivering strong business results,” said Victor Alexander, Head of Consumer Banking at KeyBank. “His deep industry experience, firsthand branch perspective and commitment to clients, teammates and communities make him ideal to help lead our Retail Banking business forward.”

Earlier in his career, Anderson held leadership roles at Citibank, including regional director, sales manager and financial advisor in the company’s wealth management business. In those roles, he helped deliver double-digit year-over-year balance and revenue growth multiple times.

A native of Central Illinois, Anderson lives with his family in Zionsville, Indiana. He will be based at KeyBank’s Indianapolis office and will work with Sloan through the end of 2026 to support a smooth leadership transition.

“Kevin’s leadership has strengthened our Retail Banking business and helped position it for continued growth,” said Alexander. “We are grateful for his many contributions to our clients, teammates and communities, and wish Kevin and his family the very best.”

ABOUT KEYCORP

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2025 FedEx Cares Report: Memphis Headquarters Giving & Volunteering

FedEx — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:05:00 -0400

Memphis, Tennessee, is our global headquarters city and home to over 30,000 team members. Memphis is rich with culture, talent, and history, and its energetic and resilient spirit brings us great pride. At the same time, Memphis faces real and persistent challenges. Nearly one in four residents lives in poverty, and thousands of young adults are neither in school nor working. These realities affect families, neighborhoods, and the future workforce that will power the city for decades to come.

In 2025, our FedEx Cares team worked closely with city experts, nonprofit leaders, our team members, and other Memphians to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the current and future Memphis workforce. After many months of listening and learning, we launched a new support strategy — Mobilizing Memphis’ Workforce Potential — to fight poverty, create opportunity, foster belonging, and build a stronger Memphis.

Ready, set, launch!

Meet some of the Memphians who earned the education, skills, and credentials to launch new careers with FedEx-supported nonprofits:

Madison Smith, Army Veteran, gained welding and machining skills at Moore Tech, and set her sights on a career at Toyota Motor Manufacturing.

Cyrille Connor built essential workplace habits and industrial electricity and plant maintenance skills at Moore Tech, then landed a job as a Maintenance Technician at Lallemand.

Zakaria Culp graduated her EMT program thanks to the Memphis Medical District Collaborative’s Hire Local program and is fulfilling a lifelong dream of working as a paramedic firefighter.

Alan Manteiga graduated the Memphis Excel Center and plans to continue his college career at Tennessee College of Applied Technology.

When basic needs are met, Memphians can focus on careers & family

Together, FedEx and Feed the Children are tackling one of Memphis’ toughest challenges: making sure children and families have the food, supplies, and support they need to focus on education and careers.

Nationwide, one in five children face food insecurity, and some Memphis families often must choose between paying rent and buying groceries, school supplies and hygiene items. To meet that challenge, FedEx and Feed the Children built a year-round approach that combines four programs:

Feed the Children’s Food & Essentials hubs inside Memphis Shelby County schools give students and families steady access to nutritious food, personal care items, and learning materials.
Feed the Children’s Summer Feed & Read program keeps kids fed and engaged with books during the summer months, when school meals and classroom learning is paused.
Feed the Children’s Backpack-N-Go program sends children back to school each year with the supplies they need to start strong.
Feed the Children’s Resource Rallies bring food, hygiene products, and essentials directly to families facing tough months. In 2025, these programs reached more than 7,300 Memphians, delivering over 108,000 meals and more than $550,000 worth of food, hygiene products, books, and backpacks.

Award winning programs

Slingshot Memphis awarded FedEx the Inspire Award for our work combating poverty and creating lasting change in our headquarters city.

Click here to learn more about FedEx, Slingshot Memphis & the Inspire Award

Our reach in Memphis

From skills-based volunteering to hands-on service, from large organizations to grassroots, FedEx and our team members were busy doing good in Memphis last year.

"Our team members take great pride in programs and volunteer opportunities that support our neighbors. We are committed to building strong local communities and delivering positive change around the world—starting with the places where we live and work." Jenny Robertson SVP Marketing & Communications, FedEx

Learn more about giving and volunteering at FedEx in the 2025 FedEx Cares Report

Proving Corporate Sustainability Pays

Governance & Accountability Institute — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Sustainability action offers benefits that businesses have recognized for a long time, like lower energy costs, avoided regulatory fees, brand building, and higher employee satisfaction. But for many companies, it hasn’t always been necessary to make a business case to advance sustainability; acting responsibly was its own bottom line. A new report from the World Economic Forum indicates that now the business case for sustainability is becoming a must-have rather than a “nice-to-have.”

The authors of the WEF’s inaugural Chief Sustainability Officers’ Outlook surveyed 103 chief sustainability officers across five continents with two striking results. First, 63% expect global sustainability progress to hold steady or accelerate over the next year. (Sustainability Online reports on a study from GlobeScan and UN Global Compact that seems to add weight to this finding: just 10% of sustainability practitioners in North America expect companies’ sustainability ambitions to decrease.)

Second, 64% claim that the biggest accelerator of corporate sustainability measures over the next three years will be a stronger business case. This comes in as the lead driver ahead of availability of cheaper technology, expanded value chain collaboration, regulatory action, and international agreements.

Proving that sustainability pays is not a straightforward task. For example, asked what most constrains their company from investing in adaptation to climate change, CSOs pointed to uncertain cost-benefit assessments, as a greater constraint than financing costs, regulatory hurdles, or competing priorities. Indeed, as the report explains, adaptation “often creates value through avoided losses rather than additional revenue,” which makes the benefit hard to quantify and slow to appear.

Report authors Sebastian Buckup and Akanksha Khatri underscore the need to link sustainability to business growth, writing that it “is no longer a commitment to be made; it is a capability to be embedded in growth, competitiveness and resilience.”

Other flagship research came from G&A Institute’s own team last week. The 2026 edition of Sustainability Reporting In Focus is our 15th annual study of corporate sustainability reporting, and finds that in 2025 94% of the S&P 500 and 86% of the Russell 1000 published sustainability reports – both slightly below 2024. But even as the levels ebbed slightly from recent years, our analysts noted that companies are making use of more standards and assuring more of their data. These efforts make the documentation of their sustainability work more robust, and form an important piece of the puzzle for building a reliable business case for continuing to invest.

In other news, the first GHG emissions reports mandated under California’s SB 253 are due in about six weeks – November 10 – and ESG Today covers CARB’s confirmation of reliefs for the opening cycle, including prior-year data and submissions without assurance. To delve into SB 253’s sister law on climate risk, SB 261, turn to our joint research with Ceres to examine 154 voluntary filings.

Meanwhile, new polling covered by Trellis indicates that 71% of climate-skeptical Republicans say companies should reduce their climate impacts, because doing so “encourages long-term planning.”

Finally, as we see in ESG Dive, the business and public perspectives on sustainability are not reflected in recent action in Washington, DC, where the EPA finalized the repeal of most Biden-era power plant carbon rules, and proposed to rescind the rest.

This is just the introduction of G&A's Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

The Ray Joins America’s Great Corridors of Commerce Initiative

Ray C. Anderson Foundation — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:40:00 -0400

This contract leverages advanced geospatial mapping to identify prime highway and railroad right-of-ways for large-scale energy transmission and broadband co-location.

ATLANTA, September 29, 2026 /3BL/ - Today, The Ray announced a contract with the Build America Bureau at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to provide specialized geospatial analysis and corridor mapping for the America’s Great Corridors of Commerce (AGCC) initiative.

AGCC represents a first-of-its-kind, nationwide opportunity to transform existing highway and rail corridors into multi-use arteries capable of carrying high-voltage transmission wires, fiber optic lines, water pipelines, and other critical utility infrastructure.

Under the partnership, The Ray Geospatial Solutions program will deliver advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis and mapping across highway and railroad corridors nationwide. This data-driven approach will identify prime right-of-way (ROW) segments best suited for immediate, large-scale energy transmission and telecommunications development.

“The Ray’s expertise is a unique combination of focused GIS capabilities and a decade of investment in planning and scaling energy infrastructure in highway right-of-way.”

— Jessie Hong, Geospatial Solutions Director, The Ray

Expanding national energy and telecommunications capacity is vital to sustaining growth in America's high-tech and advanced manufacturing sectors while lowering energy costs for households. By co-locating energy and data infrastructure within existing transportation ROW, the AGCC framework aims to:

Accelerate Delivery: Expedite project timelines for national energy and data grid expansions.
Streamline Approvals: Simplify environmental review and permitting actions through pre-identified corridors.
Lower Costs & Generate Revenue: Reduce land acquisition costs for developers while opening new revenue streams for state and federal transportation agencies.
Boost Economic Development: Create efficient options to situate emerging industries near primary transport arteries.

Recognized by the White House Council on Environmental Quality as 2026 Permitting Innovators, The Ray’s Geospatial Solutions team brings proven spatial intelligence to federal infrastructure priorities.

“Over two years, The Ray will develop the national intelligence to power AGCC’s prioritization of corridors and utility co-location projects.”

— Allie Kelly, Executive Director

Resources

To explore the spatial data and learn more about highway right-of-way co-location, view the interactive project overview.

Empowering Farmers and Ensuring Quality: Inside TEROVA’s Sustainable Sourcing Model

Griffith Foods — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:15:00 -0400

In today’s global food supply chain, transparency, quality, and sustainability are more than buzzwords—they’re essential for long-term success. TEROVA’s innovative approach to working with farmers sets a new standard for responsible sourcing, delivering tangible benefits to both growers and their communities.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Support

When farmers join the TEROVA program, they receive benefits beyond the traditional supplier and buyer relationship. Enrolling in the TEROVA program includes support with sustainability practices, upholding human rights, and community development opportunities. From the outset, TEROVA provides:

Comprehensive Training: Farmers receive guidance to boost yields and ensure their crops meet export standards, unlocking access to better prices.
Essential Materials: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and drying nets are supplied to support safe and effective farming.
Reliable Storage and Transport: TEROVA manages logistics, including cold storage and quality testing, to maintain product integrity and maximize value.
Prompt, Fair Payment: Farmers are paid on time—typically within 21 days—at market price plus a premium, with all transactions transparently documented.
Ongoing Field Support: Dedicated field teams visit every 10 days on average, monitoring crops, identifying pests, and offering agronomic advice.

A Transparent, Farmer-Centric Workflow

The TEROVA process is designed to empower farmers at every step:

Onboarding and Training: Field officers—trusted, local agronomy experts—register new farmers, conduct agronomic surveys, and provide ongoing education in regenerative agriculture.
Sustainable Cultivation: Farmers grow crops according to TEROVA’s best practices, using approved seeds and implementing regenerative techniques such as cover crops.
Harvest and Quality Assurance: After harvesting and drying on TEROVA-provided drying nets, crops are tested and stored in monitored cold facilities, preserving quality for processing and export.
Traceability: Harvested spices are tagged with a QR code that connects to TEROVA Trace and shows the farmer’s information and map of the field where the raw material was grown. The tagging system is maintained through processing, ensuring traceability.
Community Engagement: Farmers and community members contribute ideas to annual Welfare Committee meetings, shaping investments in local development. Past projects Welfare Committees have funded include shared water wells and filtration systems at local schools and communities.
Continuous Improvement: Internal and external audits ensure compliance with sustainability certifications including Rainforest Alliance.

Lasting Impact and Community Benefits

TEROVA’s commitment extends beyond the farm gate:

Annual Support: Cover crop seeds, tree saplings, and regenerative agriculture education are provided to all participating farmers.
Incentivized Sustainability: Field officers are rewarded for promoting regenerative practices, ensuring that environmental stewardship is woven into the fabric of the program.
Community-Driven Investment: Welfare Committees in each region (India, Albania, Vietnam) identify and address local needs, from infrastructure to social programs.
Health Clinics: Annual health checkups are available for farmers and their families via mobile clinics.

TEROVA’s model demonstrates that responsible sourcing can deliver value for everyone involved. By investing in farmer training, fair compensation, and community wellbeing, TEROVA not only ensures a reliable supply of high-quality spices but also fosters resilient, thriving agricultural communities.

View original content here.

About Griffith Foods

Griffith Foods is a global product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers with high-quality, culinary driven, customized products. Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois, USA, Griffith Foods is a family-owned business known for collaborative innovation guided by its purpose to “Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World.” Operating in over 40 countries across six continents, Griffith Foods employs more than 5,000 people, including over 40 chefs and 340 food scientists, who work together to create solutions that nourish people, planet, and communities. The company’s product capabilities include seasonings, sauces, dressings, coating systems, and alternative protein solutions. Griffith Foods’ primary areas of focus include Foodservice, Food Manufacturers, Protein Processors, and Retail.

Motorolans on a Mission: Serving the Community From the Office to the Front Lines

Motorola Solutions — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:05:00 -0400

While most people use their vacation to disconnect, U.K.-based Motorola Solutions employee Mike Beddoes dedicates his time to answering a higher call, stepping up to the front lines to protect his community.

For nine years, Mike has balanced a dual purpose: driving innovation at Motorola Solutions by day and serving as a fully warranted volunteer officer with the Warwickshire Police Special Constabulary by night. His dedication recently went a step further, as he committed four weeks of his personal time off to complete a rigorous emergency driving course.

The Weight of the Badge

As a "Special Constable," Mike wears the same uniform and holds the same authority as a full-time officer. He has logged more than 3,000 hours of service, the equivalent of two full years of police work. His commitment began on his university commute where he watched officers meet chaos with calm. Seeing them guide people through their darkest moments inspired him to move past watching and start helping.

Real Courage, Real Impact

Mike’s service ranges from routine patrols to critical, life-or-death interventions. Notably, he recently earned his fourth Chief Constable Commendation after stepping into a major house fire while off-duty. Without hesitation, he ran toward the danger, administered first aid to those trapped inside and helped contain the blaze.

In recognition of his 3,000 hours of service and recent act of bravery, Mike was honored with the 2025 CEO Award for Volunteerism, Motorola Solutions’ highest award for service.

“Receiving this type of recognition is an incredible honor,” said Mike. “But the real reward is the impact we get to make on the ground. When you're responding to an emergency or stepping into a critical situation, you aren't thinking about the hours or the personal time off you gave up — you’re just focusing on the person who needs your help. I’m grateful to be in a position to protect and serve the community I live in.”

From the Office to the Streets

Mike serves as a vital bridge between the technologies Motorola Solutions delivers and the first responders who rely on them. His front-line experience gives him a uniquely powerful perspective. When Mike holds a radio in the middle of an emergency, he knows exactly what’s at stake. He understands firsthand that a clear signal and a reliable device are more than convenient features — they’re critical lifelines. Mike brings this profound connection to our purpose back to his daily work at Motorola Solutions, inspiring his team to build with the end-user in mind.

Defining our Mission

Mike’s journey is a powerful reminder that our impact extends beyond our technology. It’s measured in the lives we touch and the communities we help keep safe. He stands alongside Motorolans around the world who embody this same spirit and a shared dedication to serve.

Comcast NBCUniversal Announces $2.5 Million in Unrestricted Grants to 80 Nonprofits

Comcast — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal Local announced that a total of $2.5 million has been awarded to 80 nonprofit organizations servicing one of the 11 NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ markets across the U.S. through the 2026 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants. NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants have provided $24.3M to 695 nonprofits since 2018.

The grant program is awarding unrestricted funding to eligible nonprofits making a difference in local communities. Applications were accepted in three categories: youth education and empowerment, next generation storytellers, and community engagement.

Nonprofits receiving funds serve communities in the following NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ markets: Bay Area (KNTV, KSTS), Boston (WBTS, WNEU), Chicago (WMAQ, WSNS), Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS, KXTX), Hartford, Connecticut (WVIT, WRDM), Los Angeles (KNBC, KVEA), New York (WNBC, WNJU), Philadelphia (WCAU, WWSI), San Diego (KNSD, KUAN), South Florida (WTVJ, WSCV) and Washington, D.C. (WRC-TV, WZDC-CD).

Bay Area (KNTV, KSTS):

Boston (WBTS-CD, WNEU):

Chicago (WMAQ, WSNS):

Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS, KXTX):

Hartford, Connecticut (WVIT, WRDM-CD):

Los Angeles (KNBC, KVEA):

New York (WNBC, WNJU):

Philadelphia (WCAU, WWSI):

San Diego (KNSD, KUAN-LD):

South Florida (WTVJ, WSCV):

Washington, D.C. (WRC-TV, WZDC-CD):

About Comcast

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Cascale Appoints Sophie You as Senior Director, Manufacturer Member Activation

Cascale — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0400

AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., September 29, 2026 /3BL/ - Cascale, the global nonprofit alliance for the consumer goods industry, today announced that Sophie You has joined the organization as senior director, manufacturer member activation. Based in Hong Kong, You will lead Cascale's manufacturer membership activation team, helping manufacturer members turn measurement into progress on environmental performance and decent work.

Manufacturers are working through a period of sustained pressure. Many respond to assessments and data requests from multiple customers, often in different formats and on different timelines. New due diligence and disclosure rules in major markets are raising expectations on both environmental performance and working conditions, while energy costs, shifting trade policy, and tight margins shape which investments are possible. What manufacturers need is practical: tools that reduce duplication, credible ways to show their progress, early insight into the policies that affect their business, and a real voice in the decisions that shape their industry.

Cascale’s Corporate membership is built around those needs: sustainability performance acceleration, policy insights and advocacy, and industry influence and representation. In her new role, You and her team will help manufacturer members make the most of their membership. That means helping them accelerate progress toward their goals through programs and initiatives, including those that improve facility environmental performance with the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM), reduce emissions in their own operations and upstream, and strengthen social and labor practices with the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (Higg FSLM) and responsible purchasing practices. It also means keeping them engaged and informed on the policies that affect their business, and elevating their voices through advocacy for smart, harmonized policy and representation in Cascale's governance.

You joins Cascale with more than 15 years of experience across the brand, manufacturer and advisory sides of apparel sustainability. Most recently, she served as regional director, Hong Kong at RESET Carbon (now part of LRQA), where her work focused on decarbonization strategy and science-based target setting for companies across the supply chain. Before that, she was head of sustainability and sourcing at Scandale éco-lingerie. She spent nearly nine years at Target, progressing from fabric engineer to senior sustainability manager, where she led supply chain sustainability programs across Asia. You holds a PhD from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where her research focused on developing a green index for the textile industry in China.

"Manufacturers carry most of the burden of improving our industry's environmental and social performance, and they need support that fits how their businesses actually run," said Jeremy Lardeau, senior vice president, industry activation and growth at Cascale. "Sophie has spent her career on every side of the table, from sourcing and consulting to working hand in hand with factories on leading decarbonization efforts. She and her team will work to elevate the manufacturer voice in the industry sustainability agenda, while supporting them along their own sustainability journey."

"Having spent over 15 years across brands, sourcing, consultancy, and academia, I’ve seen firsthand that manufacturers are the engine of sustainable progress,” said You. “Joining Cascale is a chance to give back to this community — using my experience across the supply chain to ensure our manufacturer members have a strong voice, actionable support, and the tools they need to lead the industry’s sustainable transformation efficiently."

You's appointment reflects Cascale's work to strengthen its offering and provide clearer value to members, particularly manufacturers, who face challenges distinct from those of the brands and retailers they work with.

Manufacturers interested in Cascale membership can learn more at cascale.org/explore-membership.

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit industry alliance where consumer goods organizations turn shared sustainability ambitions into measurable progress at scale to combat climate change and support decent work for all. We unite 300 Corporate and Affiliate members in pre-competitive collaboration, turning shared measurement and collective action into reduced risk, stronger credibility, and long-term resilience. Our work is anchored by Cascale's stewardship of the Higg Index frameworks (accessed through the Worldly compliance and sustainability platform), along with the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools.

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Strengthening Communities Through Partnership: KeyBank and Mi Casa

KeyBank — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0400

KeyBank’s 3-year impact investment has helped Mi Casa launch La Receta, a training program for aspiring food truck, restaurant and catering entrepreneurs.

The partnership is helping create lasting change, empowering people to build brighter futures while contributing to stronger, more vibrant communities.

Watch the video to learn more about this impact and the lives they've helped transform.