Tag: 3BL

Originally published in ScottsMiracle-Gro’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report

We continued our partnership with KidsGardening, a national nonprofit that supports educators and caregivers who bring the lifechanging benefits of gardening to kids, by providing GroMoreGood Grassroots Grants to 160 programs in 2023. The grants funded various types of community-driven garden and greenspace projects that directly engage youth, including school and community gardens, urban farms, pollinator gardens and outdoor playscapes. Grants in the amount of $500 were given to programs for the creation of new garden projects and the expansion of existing ones. Fifteen programs were awarded an additional $1,000 in funding, for a total of $1,500, for the following specialty award categories:

Plus: Designed to fund new and existing garden programs that have greater funding needs due to, but not limited to, financial, environmental, safety, health, and regulation challenges.Pride: Designed to fund new and existing garden programs that serve a majority of LGBTQ+ youth.Equity: Designed to fund new and existing garden programs led by people of color that serve a majority of youth of color.

2023 recipients spanned 37 states across the U.S. and increased access to garden-based learning opportunities for more than 27,000 youth. A total of $95,000 was awarded for the 2023 GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant period.

“Our gardening program was especially impactful for the families that had never gardened before. One such family was a grandparent raising their grandchildren. They shared, ‘Gardening was something lost in our family until this program. I remember my parents and grandparents doing it, but I never learned the skill. Learning the basics of gardening with my grandkids helped me reconnect to my past and feel that I am setting up my grandkids for a better future.”

– Monica B., Athens Farmers Market, 2023 GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant and Plus Specialty Award Recipient

To learn more about ScottsMiracleGro’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit our webpage

For full details about ScottsMiracle-Gro’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, visit here.

Stamford, CT, January 23, 2025 /3BL/ – all® free clear—the #1 doctor recommended laundry detergent brand for sensitive skin—today announced the brand will be the first laundry detergent in the U.S. to incorporate NaviLens technology on its packaging and will be featured on the all® free clear MIGHTY PACS® Original laundry detergent tubs and pouches. Dedicated to creating more accessible environments, NaviLens is a navigation and scanning app for those with low vision and blindness. With more than 7 million Americans* living with low vision, the all® free clear brand recognizes the strong need for resources that provide greater independence and access during their day-to-day experiences.

“With NaviLens technology on our all® free clear MIGHTY PACS® Original packaging, we aim to make laundry more accessible so people can complete this essential, everyday task with greater ease and peace of mind,“ said Philipp Schaffer, Corporate Senior Vice President and Regional Head of Henkel Consumer Brands North America. “We are pleased to make laundry care more inclusive—from the store to home.”

NaviLens smart codes will be located on the front of all® free clear MIGHTY PACS® Original, which are pre-measured unit-dose detergent pacs that provide added convenience on laundry day. Once individuals download the NaviLens app, the device detects NaviLens codes, audibly notifying the user of the product name, type, dosing instructions and precise in-store location. NaviLens can benefit those with blindness, low vision, language barriers and anyone in need of additional resources.

“Our partnership with all® free clear laundry detergent marks an important step in offering NaviLens technology in everyday household products, enhancing the shopping experience for all consumers,” said Javier Pita, Chief Executive Officer of NaviLens. “It is our mission to empower people who are blind or have low vision through our cutting-edge technology. This collaboration represents another stride toward expanding NaviLens accessible codes to more everyday environments, positively impacting the daily experiences of millions.”

In addition to updating its packaging, the all® free clear brand will donate $25,000 to the American Foundation for the Blind this February in honor of Low Vision Awareness Month to help propel the organization’s mission to create equal opportunities and expand possibilities for those with blindness and low vision.

For more information, visit all-laundry.com/NaviLens to read how NaviLens technology is empowering those with blindness and low vision.

* American Academy of Ophthalmology

CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 22, 2525 /3BL/ — On Wednesday, Fifth Third celebrated the opening of a new full-service banking center in Charlotte’s Historic West End Neighborhood, the first of 15 banking centers Fifth Third plans to open in low- and moderate-income (LMI) or high minority (HMT) population census tracts this year. With the new branch, Fifth Third will help increase financial access while contributing to the revitalization of the Historic West End.

Fifth Third prioritizes financial access and neighborhood revitalization through its Neighborhood Program, a community development initiative which creates and implements innovative place-based strategies to effect positive change in nine historically disinvested neighborhoods across the Bank’s 11-state footprint, including Charlotte. As Fifth Third strategically expands and opens new financial centers across the country, 30% of new branches in development will be in LMI and/or HMT areas.  In addition to new centers, Fifth Third offers its eBus and Banking to Go kiosks to address gaps in financial services in underserved communities.

“When we launched the Neighborhood Program in 2021, our goal was to empower the futures of residents and small businesses in the communities we serve by providing financial access,” said Jada Grandy-Mock, chief community impact banking officer for Fifth Third. “This branch is an open door—a door of opportunity for Charlotte’s Historic West End. Every resident in this community is welcome to come through those doors and find a financial partner in us to empower their future dreams.”

Located at 2340 Beatties Ford Road, the Historic West End branch will be a model for innovation and sustainability, occupying a modest 1,900 square feet. The center will have the added convenience of a drive-thru and ATM. Inside, the center’s open design will make it easy for customers to get quick digital service or discuss more complex banking products, like college savings plans, mortgages, or retirement solutions. The new, streamlined building will feature flexible meeting and seating areas that offer adjustable layers of privacy. Fifth Third broke ground in February 2023, with Charlotte-Based McFarland Construction serving as the general contractor.

“We are able to celebrate the opening of this Historic West End location because of the special bond that exists between our community partners and our local Fifth Third team,” said Lee Fite, president, Fifth Third Bank, Carolinas Region. “This is the result of many years of conversations, planning and hard work that allowed for a shared commitment to provide resources for the good of our community.”

At Wednesday’s event, the Fifth Third Foundation and LISC Charlotte also presented $100,000 in grants to five local small businesses to help them continue to grow.

Fifth Third’s Neighborhood Program is pioneering a new place-based approach to community development by partnering with a lead partner organization and other local organizations to build ecosystems that drive real change through both financial and social investments. This collective ecosystem approach is focused on identifying solutions to key challenges in partnership with the community, with the goal of creating lasting, transformative change.

The Historic West End branch is the first new financial center to open as part of the neighborhood program, though several renovations have been completed and several new branches are planned within other program neighborhoods.

In partnership with LISC Charlotte and other community agencies, Fifth Third has made $85.2 million in direct investments into Charlotte’s Historic West End since 2021 and catalyzed $28 million in additional leverage, for a total impact in the neighborhood of $113.2 million.

Key initiatives include:

Thrive Food Hub: A 6,000 square foot shopping center located at 1121 Beatties Ford Road in the heart of the Historic West End has been acquired by Historic West End Partners. The underutilized strip mall is being renovated and turned into a commercial kitchen for local chefs, a corner store selling fresh food, and a meeting space for small businesses in the community. Historic West End Partners was able to acquire the $1.3 million property with help from $300,000 in funding from a Fifth Third Foundation program-related investment, or PRI.
 Legacy at Carr Heights: A grand opening was held at the Legacy at Carr Heights Senior Apartments in July 2024. Fifth Third was proud to be among the many private and public partners who helped to bring the 120-unit affordable senior living apartment complex to the community. A philanthropic program-related investment from the Fifth Third Foundation to the West Side Community Land Trust helped facilitate the original purchase of the land, and Fifth Third was among the funding partners for the $31 million development.
 Hoskins Street Home Preservation: The West Side Community Land Trust leveraged $1.6 million in program-related investment funding from the Fifth Third Foundation to support the acquisition and renovation of 32 houses in the West End’s Hoskins Street that were being sold by a single landlord. The effort is preventing the displacement of families living in these homes. 

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About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

CONTACT  

Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations) 
amanda.nageleisen@53.com
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345

SWORDS, Ireland, January 22, 2025 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, has been recognized in Corporate Knights’ 2025 Global 100 ranking. This is the third time Trane Technologies has been featured on this annual list, which recognizes leading companies for their investments in green solutions such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and the circular economy.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized in Corporate Knights’ 2025 Global 100 ranking,” said Mauro Atalla, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, Trane Technologies. “This acknowledgment underscores our dedication to pioneering groundbreaking innovations for our customers, pushing the boundaries of possibility and leading the transformation to a more sustainable future for all.”

For over a decade, sustainability has been the cornerstone of Trane Technologies’ business strategy and integrated into every aspect of how we do business. This was recently demonstrated through the company’s acquisition of BrainBox AI, a pioneer in autonomous HVAC controls and generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) building technology. BrainBox AI leverages deep learning algorithms to predict building energy needs and automate HVAC systems, resulting in up to a 25% reduction in energy consumption and up to a 40% decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Trane Technologies recently became the first company in its industry to commit to a 40% reduction in embodied carbon by partnering with material suppliers and incorporating circular design criteria, addressing the significant carbon footprint of buildings. This commitment builds on Trane Technologies’ 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge, and its pledge to be net-zero by 2050.

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About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit www.tranetechnologies.com.

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our sustainability commitments and the impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

January 22, 2025 /3BL/ – Qurate Retail GroupSM, which includes retail brands QVC®, HSN®, Ballard Designs®, Frontgate®, Garnet Hill®, and Grandin Road®, today announced it has received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Qurate Retail Group will be honored with HRCF’s Equality 100 Award as Leaders in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.

“At Qurate Retail, we believe one example of a more sustainable way to retail is by intentionally fostering inclusion and respect within our teams and the communities we serve. This award is a testament to our steadfast commitment to workplace equality and a credit to the significant advancements we continue to make towards our public goals and the critical role we play in championing empowerment and belonging. We also acknowledge the journey is ongoing, and that’s why our Corporate Responsibility commitments continue to remain a core focus for our business,” said Virginia Nguyen, Chief Diversity & Impact Officer, Qurate Retail Group. “We are proud to have earned a top score on the 2025 Corporate Equality Index and grateful to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for the vital work they continue to do.”

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:

Non-discrimination policies across business entities;Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families;Supporting an inclusive culture; and,Corporate social responsibility.

“The CEI is so much more than a score on paper. For decades businesses have relied on the CEI as a tool for transparency and leveling the playing field for all workers, making sure LGBTQ+ people and their families can share in fair, respectful and supportive workplaces and benefits,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, SHRM-CP, HRCF Senior Director of Workplace Equality. “As conversations evolve on corporate America’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that largely recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion. Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is to work in a spirit of partnership with companies, providing educational resources and leading benchmarking. The work of the CEI is to help businesses to expand their consumer base and attract top, innovative talent by supporting the LGBTQ+ community.”

Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.

To view the full report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

About Qurate Retail Group 
Qurate Retail GroupSM comprises six leading retail brands – QVC®, HSN®, Ballard Designs®, Frontgate®, Garnet Hill® and Grandin Road® – all dedicated to providing a more human way to shop. Qurate Retail Group is the largest player in video commerce (“vCommerce”), which includes video-driven shopping across linear TV, ecommerce sites, digital streaming and social platforms. The retailer reaches more than 200 million homes worldwide via 15 television channels, which are widely available on cable/satellite TV, free over-the-air TV, and digital livestreaming TV. The retailer also reaches millions of customers via its QVC+ and HSN+ streaming experience, websites, mobile apps, social pages, print catalogs, and in-store destinations. Qurate Retail Group combines shopping and entertainment to curate products, experiences, conversations and communities for millions of highly discerning shoppers. Headquartered in West Chester, Pa., Qurate Retail Group has team members in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Japan, Italy, Poland and China. For more information, visit qurateretailgroup.com or follow Qurate Retail Group on YouTube or LinkedIn. 

Qurate Retail, Inc. (NASDAQ: QRTEA, QRTEB, QRTEP) is a Fortune 500 company that includes the Qurate Retail Group portfolio of brands as well as other minority interests.

NEW YORK, January 22, 2025 /3BL/ – Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose© (CECP), in collaboration with CECP Global Exchange, released the fifth edition of Global Impact at Scale: Challenges and Opportunities in Non-Financial Reporting. Despite dire warnings about the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pushback, the study finds most corporate leadership views ESG positively, and companies are not pulling back on ESG work or changing strategies as they know the ethical and fiscal benefits. But most companies are not fully prepared for mandatory reporting requirements, noting the need for resources to build up the practice such as strengthening operational and governance frameworks to meet regulatory requirements, satisfying stakeholders, and ensuring data quality.

Key findings of the report include:

ESG and/or Sustainability Reporting, Requirements, Measurement 

Most companies (46.5%) cited that a standalone ESG/Sustainability report was how they reported annually on their operations’ goals and impacts: while 12.7% of responding companies indicated that they do not report on ESG at all.Most companies (55%) reported they are “somewhat prepared” to meet mandatory reporting requirements, but time and resources are still needed to comply with reporting procedures.Many companies agreed that measuring the “Social Impact” of their organizational processes of ESG was the most complex (35.6%) even more respondents deemed all items “Equally Complex” to measure (44%).A fair number (28.6%) of CECP affiliated companies cited the greatest challenge that they anticipate in implementing CSRD requirements is the integration of ESG reporting into existing financial reporting processes; 25.7% cited managing third-party risks and supply chain data; another 25.7% cited allocating resources and managing costs to compliance.

Leadership on ESG, and ESG Backlash 

Seventy-five percent of respondents stated that leadership within their organization views ESG positively, 21% reported that leadership views it neutrally, and 20% indicated that leadership views it negatively.Fifty-one percent of respondents indicated ESG backlash has had no impact on strategies, and 26.1% of respondents cited increased transparency and reporting.Sixteen percent indicated their organizations have reduced public discourse around ESG but have continued to invest in ESG because it yields an important ethical and fiscal benefit.A majority (77%) of respondents indicated either that the backlash had no impact on their organization’s strategies or that they had increased ESG data sharing. This result deviates only slightly from that of companies headquartered in the U.S., where the largest percentage (42.3%) of respondents indicated no change to their ESG strategies.

“With new regulations and stakeholder pressure reshaping society’s expectations of companies around the world, organizations must refine their approaches to reporting on sustainability issues and ensuring quality data related to these topics,” said Kate Stobbe, Director, Corporate Insights, CECP. “This study demonstrates that globally, businesses are prioritizing robust systems and accurate disclosures as critical to addressing the growing complexity and meeting stakeholder needs.”

The insights presented in this report are the results of a collaborative effort with CECP’s Global Exchange (GX) Partners. This document features insights from GX Partners’ market-specific research and secondary research from multiple sources, including CECP’s Pulse Surveys, the European Commission’s Sustainable Corporate Governance Initiative Public Consultation, documents pertaining to country/region-specific legislative policies, and other relevant sources.

The CECP GX partners are in 10 countries and regions and serve companies by building a body of knowledge on locally relevant corporate citizenship best practices, through information sharing and collaborative research. The GX acts as a catalyst to enhance and advance corporate social investment strategies. GX partners include: Comunitas in Brazil, CSRone in Taiwan, Corporate Responsibility Türkiye in Türkiye, Dynamo Academyl in Italy, Fundacion Seres in Spain, Maala in Israel, SynTao in Mainland China and Hong Kong, Trialogue in South Africa, and Wider Sense in Germany.

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About Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP)

Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) is the only business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. We promote responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line.

More than 200 of the world’s leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP’s solutions in insights and benchmarking. With our companies, we harness the power of purpose for business, stakeholders, and society.

For more information, visit http://cecp.co.

International Olympic Committee news

As world leaders meet at COP29 to agree actions to address the climate crisis, a new study illustrates how effective climate action could reduce the impact of climate change on winter sport.

The most comprehensive study on the subject to date has identified a substantial difference in the number of potential future host locations for the Olympic Winter Games, depending on whether the world experiences a low, mid or high greenhouse gas emissions scenario.

The independent study, Climate change and the climate reliability of hosts in the second century of the Winter Olympic Games, found that as long as emissions are reduced or stabilised, every region of the world that has already hosted the Olympic Winter Games should still be able to do so until at least the 2050s.

Each of the regions – in Europe, North America and Asia – would be able to offer multiple potential host locations for Olympic snow sports, with the majority retaining their climate reliability into the 2080s.

Under a high-emissions scenario, by the 2080s the majority of locations studied would be too warm.

The study’s authors, renowned climate change and sports scientists Associate Professor Robert Steiger of the University of Innsbruck, Austria, and Professor Daniel Scott of the University of Waterloo, Canada, observed that reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change would significantly slow the rate of global warming in mountain regions.

They noted that, this year, the world surpassed the 1.5°C dangerous global warming threshold set out in the agreement. Mountain temperatures in regions with reliable observations have increased at an average pace of 0.3°C per decade, exceeding the global warming rate of 0.2°C per decade since the mid-20th century.

“Winter sport faces many challenges,” said Professor Scott.

The profound repercussions of a high-emission future on the world’s cultural heritage represented by the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games underscore the urgency of swiftly reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

Professor Daniel Scott 
University of Waterloo, Canada

The findings confirm that the reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, with their increased flexibility for hosts, will contribute towards protecting the future of the Olympic Winter Games, including by enabling projects to be hosted across one or more regions, in order to use a maximum number of existing venues. The study reinforces the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s position that the winter sports community must work together to find solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on winter sport, and to minimise the negative impacts of winter sport on the environment.

The host regions for snow sports at the next three editions of the Olympic Winter Games – the Italian Alps, the French Alps and Wasatch Back, Utah – are all assessed as climate reliable beyond the middle of the century, demonstrating that the IOC has elected climate-secure destinations for the Olympic Winter Games for the next decade.

“This study underlines why the IOC has adopted a clear strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of the Olympic Games, and why it has taken into consideration the impact of climate change when assessing future hosts,” said Karl Stoss, Chair of the Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games and IOC Member in Austria. “These decisions are supported by extensive consultation and scientific evidence.”

There are a number of requirements set out by the IOC in the election of Olympic Games hosts, including that projects should prioritise the use of existing or temporary venues, to reduce the cost and carbon footprint of the Games.

We are committed to leading the way to secure a solid future for the winter sports movement and for everyone who practises winter sport in the mountains.

Karl Stoss 
Chair of the Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games

The study was commissioned by the IOC to increase understanding of the winter sports environment and how it is being impacted by climate change, in order to make well-informed decisions about future Games.

The researchers assessed the future climate reliability of former Olympic Winter Games hosts, as well as potential new host regions that have not been considered in previous academic studies around the future of Olympic hosting.

In addition, they conducted a review of existing studies about the impact of climate change on hosting the Olympic Winter Games in the future.

In December 2022, the IOC Executive Board (EB) set two criteria for future Olympic Winter Games hosts: that they should be climate reliable and use a maximum number of existing and temporary venues, with no new venues built specifically for the Games.

The number of potential future hosts will evolve over time as new sports venues are built to serve the needs of local populations, and as National Olympic Committees (NOCs) take advantage of the flexibility offered by Olympic Agenda 2020 to propose events or sports outside the main host region.

While it is inevitable that climate change will impact the geography and development of winter sports to some degree, a reassuring finding is that even with a diminished pool of potential host locations, with continued adaptation the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games can endure as a genuinely global celebration of sport.

Associate Professor Robert Steiger 
University of Innsbruck 
 

The IOC’s commitment to contribute to global efforts to address climate change

The IOC is working to ensure a sustainable future for the Games so that they create lasting benefits for their hosts, reduce their environmental footprint and evolve in response to a warming planet.

While past Olympic Games have made substantial efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, starting with the Olympic Winter Games 2030, all summer and winter Olympic hosts will be required by the IOC to minimise Games-related carbon emissions, strive to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than their Games project emits, and use their influence to encourage stakeholders to take climate action. The IOC also uses its influence to encourage the broader Olympic Movement to take action against climate change, including for example by co-launching the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and the Sports for Nature Framework in 2018.

As an organisation, the IOC is on track to reduce its carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2024 and is aiming for a 50 per cent reduction by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Find out more about the IOC’s sustainability strategy.

WESTTOWN, Pa., January 22, 2025 /3BL/ – BioStar Renewables, a leading developer of renewable energy solutions, is proud to announce the start of construction on a transformative 2 MW solar field located on the historic 600-acre campus of Westtown School. This 8-acre solar project is a major step forward in supporting the school’s commitment to sustainability and providing supplemental electricity to the campus.

The journey to this milestone required overcoming newly enacted township regulations, addressing stakeholder concerns, and implementing innovative engineering solutions to bring this ambitious project to life. BioStar’s partnership with Bohler, an engineering firm with extensive local expertise, was instrumental in navigating the unique challenges presented by the project.

Pioneering Renewable Energy Under New Township Regulations

As the first large-scale solar project approved under Westtown Township’s newly implemented ordinance limiting solar fields to 10 acres, this development posed regulatory challenges. The approval process required collaboration with township officials to clarify procedural uncertainties and ensure compliance. BioStar Renewables worked closely with Bohler to guide the project through conditional use approval while building strong relationships with township stakeholders.

Community Collaboration to Address Concerns

One of the key challenges of the project was addressing visibility concerns raised by neighboring property owners. BioStar prioritized community engagement to resolve these issues. Detailed 3D models and proposed screening plans, which included a mix of evergreen, deciduous, and ornamental trees, were presented during site visits and virtual meetings. This proactive approach ensured smooth public approval and fostered community support.

Innovative Design Solutions to Overcome Technical Hurdles

BioStar tackled several technical challenges during the project, including glare mitigation and stormwater compliance. To address concerns about potential glare from the solar panels, the team conducted visual studies and implemented engineering solutions to reassure township officials. Additionally, infiltration basins were designed to meet localized stormwater standards while accommodating the solar field layout and existing infrastructure, such as nearby wells.

Driving Environmental and Economic Impact

The 2 MW solar field will generate clean, renewable energy for the Westtown School campus while reducing its carbon footprint. The project aligns with the school’s environmental mission and demonstrates how renewable energy can thrive in suburban communities. Over a 30-year agreement, the solar field’s energy will be sold to NJ Gas, highlighting BioStar’s ability to integrate renewable energy projects into sustainable business models.

Leading the Way in Renewable Energy Development

This project marks a significant achievement for BioStar Renewables as the first large-scale solar field approved under Westtown Township’s ordinance. It underscores BioStar’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in challenging regulatory environments. With expertise in navigating complex regulations and engaging stakeholders, BioStar continues to lead the way in delivering impactful clean energy projects.

For more information about this project or BioStar Renewables’ commitment to building a lower-carbon future, please contact:

David Smart 
Chief Commercial Officer 
BioStar Renewables 
DSmart@BioStarRenewables.com 
913-369-4100 
www.BioStarRenewables.com

More about this project.

The Giving Block, a leading nonprofit fundraising platform, faced a growing challenge: how to address concerns about the environmental impact of cryptocurrency donations. In 2023, they launched EcoGift, the first initiative committed to negating the carbon footprint of cryptocurrency donations.

Powered by Climate Vault, EcoGift offsets the carbon footprint of every cryptocurrency donation made on its platform—eliminating barriers for environmentally conscious nonprofits and donors alike. By seamlessly integrating this sustainability feature, The Giving Block not only reinforced its leadership in crypto philanthropy but also set a new standard for responsible innovation in the nonprofit sector.

The Crypto Energy Challenge

As cryptocurrency adoption has grown, so have concerns about its environmental impact. Many nonprofits—especially those focused on sustainability—hesitated to adopt cryptocurrencies as a fundraising tool, citing the energy-intensive nature of certain blockchain networks.

Pat Duffy, Co-Founder of The Giving Block, explained, “There was so much misinformation about the environmental impact of cryptocurrency. Nonprofits were worried, not just about the actual footprint, but about how to explain it to their boards and donors.”

The Giving Block recognized that these perceptions, whether accurate or exaggerated, could deter nonprofits from accessing a significant and growing pool of crypto donors. They needed a solution that would:

Address environmental concerns credibly and transparently.Remove psychological or administrative barriers for nonprofits.Align with their mission to normalize and grow cryptocurrency philanthropy.

The EcoGift Initiative

The Giving Block partnered with Climate Vault to develop and launch EcoGift in late 2023. This innovative program calculates and neutralizes the emissions associated with every cryptocurrency donation made on The Giving Block’s platform, ensuring that nonprofits and donors can give sustainably.

Climate Vault’s compliance carbon market approach guarantees that offsets are real, measurable, and impactful. Additionally, its long-term removal program provides confidence that these reductions contribute to broader climate goals.

Pat praised the partnership: “Out of all the vendors we spoke with, Climate Vault was the only one genuinely interested in solving this problem with us. They helped us create an approach that wasn’t just about checking a box but truly understanding and then mitigating the environmental impact of our crypto donations.”

Implementation

EcoGift was seamlessly integrated into The Giving Block’s platform in three key steps:

Accurate Emissions Measurement: In partnership with Climate Vault, The Giving Block assessed the annual carbon footprint of crypto donation transactions on its platform.Offsetting Through Compliance Markets: Climate Vault purchased emission allowances from regulated carbon compliance markets to neutralize the cumulative annual footprint of the crypto donations, ensuring immediate and verifiable carbon reductions.Future-proofing with Removals: These immediate reductions are ultimately converted into permanent carbon removals by funding innovative technologies that actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This ensures EcoGift has a lasting environmental impact, further strengthening the program’s credibility.

The Giving Block absorbs the cost of offsets to ensure that neither nonprofits or donors face additional financial burdens. “We felt strongly that passing this cost along would undermine the simplicity and appeal of our platform,” said Pat.

Results

Since launching EcoGift, The Giving Block has seen measurable success:

Increased Carbon Neutral Donations: EcoGift has already offset more than 2,400 CO2 emissions from tens of thousands of transactions. They aim to grow this impact even more by the end of 2025.Growing Adoption by Environmentally Minded Nonprofits: More environmentally focused nonprofits are now embracing cryptocurrency as a viable funding method.Enhanced Donor Confidence: Donors are reassured knowing their contributions are environmentally responsible.Positioning as a Sustainability Leader: The Giving Block became the first cryptocurrency fundraising platform to commit to carbon-neutral crypto donations, strengthening its reputation as an innovator.

Pat attributes much of EcoGift’s success to the partnership with Climate Vault. “This wasn’t about us finding a vendor; it was about finding a partner,” he explained. “Climate Vault approached this challenge with curiosity, expertise, and a genuine commitment to impact. They weren’t interested in a one-size-fits-all solution—they wanted to do it right.”

Additionally, EcoGift has opened the door for broader conversations about the sustainability of cryptocurrency as a technology. “EcoGift is showing nonprofits and donors that cryptocurrency can be a net positive for the planet,” Duffy said.

The Giving Block aims to continue expanding the program’s reach, bringing more nonprofits into the crypto philanthropy space and educating the public about the efficiency and sustainability of blockchain technology.

Tapping into different voices, perspectives, and experiences helps businesses solve problems, reveals new opportunities to grow, and encourages contributions that better support people and communities. At Henkel North America, diversity is a path to progress, innovation, and impact. Our employees and partners are united by our purpose: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. They collaborate to tackle challenges, find solutions and open new perspectives – allowing us to deliver products, services, and innovations that enrich and improve everyday life.

We invite you to “meet” our pioneers in our series, “Pioneers for Good.”

Introducing Carl and Grady

Carl Jordan, Global Quality Key Account Manager, and Grady Rorie, Application Engineering Manager, exemplify Henkel’s commitment to building diverse teams and fostering an inclusive culture to drive Henkel’s success.

As past Co-Presidents and long-time members of the Madison Heights, MI chapter of the Henkel Black Alliance (HBA) Employee Resource Group (ERG), Carl and Grady supported the development of equity and education-focused initiatives to uplift Black voices within Henkel and the community to better connect us all as allies for each other. The positive impact they made has created a ripple that continues to expand today.

Building connection and understanding through stories

History is full of unsung heroes and stories that can serve as inspiration for challenges and circumstances we face today. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many needed to feel a sense of connection and hope, Carl and Grady spearheaded a virtual museum tour for their Henkel colleagues with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, MI. The museum explores and celebrates African American history and culture with an eye toward greater understanding, acceptance, and unity.

Reinforcing the power of storytelling, Carl and Grady also created “Little Known Heroes in Black History,” an initiative highlighting the untold stories of innovations and contributions of Black individuals in American history. It was a team effort to share these stories to uncover the details and moments that connect us and the invisible ripples made throughout history that benefit all.

Creating opportunities and building a diverse pipeline of talent

Understanding the importance of attracting and retaining diverse voices in the workplace, Carl and Grady worked through HBA to help remove barriers to educational resources and opportunities for Black talent.

Together, they nurtured a decade-plus-long relationship with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which includes extensive fundraising for UNCF’s Walk for Education and an internship program connecting students at HBCUs with Henkel. A key part of the UNCF fundraising organized by the HBA team is an annual Burger Cook-Off when executives and employees showcase their cooking skills. The burgers are paired with various dishes, often inspired by traditional African American cuisine.

Carl and Grady help shape Henkel’s diverse workforce by attending career fairs and supporting opportunities for professional growth. Grady has worked extensively with a rotational program at Henkel designed to attract, develop, and retain high-potential, diverse talent for Henkel Adhesive Technologies.

“I want to serve as a credible reference and raise awareness of career opportunities for other people of color. At a recent college career fair, I met students who were surprised to learn I was a chemist, saying they did not know there were black chemists. It was exciting to open that avenue and show them they can do anything. I hope for the day when color is not a roadblock.”

Grady Rorie, Application Engineering Manager

In line with Carl’s and Grady’s commitment to education and uplifting the next generation, they joined Henkel colleagues in supporting Math Corps, a mathematics enrichment and mentoring program for middle and high school students. The program is run by Wayne State University and Detroit Public Schools and has created a lasting impact for the students, with 90% of the students enrolled attending college.

Inspiring more ripples of impact in the community

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the first official National Day of Service in the U.S., designed to encourage people to volunteer and engage in their communities in honor of Dr. King’s teachings. The idea of being of service to others – to their families, communities and at Henkel – is something Carl and Grady take to heart. Those small actions are part of the ripples they cast into their communities and Dr. King’s birthday is a special opportunity to join the “day on” by celebrating Black culture and giving back to those in need.

“We harness the teachings, activism, and sacrifices of civil rights predecessors like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to expand our impact and create lasting momentum to serve future generations.”

Carl Jordan, Global Quality Key Account Manager

Carl and Grady take steps every day to elevate diverse voices in pursuit of inclusivity, understanding, and growth, setting a strong example for the next generation of leaders to carry on. They proudly handed the role of HBA co-presidents to Malik Johnson and Jada Simpson to make their own ripples of impact.