Cisco Systems, Inc.

Mary Kay

A Cisco Program Brings Innovation and Equity to Millions

AI-Powered Social Innovation To Build More Resilient Cities

Mary Kay Inspires Future Innovators: Young Women in STEM ‘Blend’ Beauty and Science

<img alt="light beams spreading out" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3096770a-1c46-4e95-9d5a-8dd6a34a09a5" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/lightbeams_Cisco_020425.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />by <a href="https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/authors/kevin-delaney.html" target="_blank">Kevin Delaney</a>

When Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program began in 2015, it represented a radical new concept: that a global technology company could bring together nations’ industry, government, and academic leaders to co-innovate solutions to major societal problems.

If anyone had doubts, they were soon dispelled.

Ten years on, <a href="https://www.cisco.com/c/m/en_au/cda.html" target="_blank">CDA</a> has brought positive change to 50 countries around the world, helping to transform everything from <a href="https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2024/m04/on-a-tanzanian-espresso-farm-technology-listens-to-plants.html" target="_blank">coffee farms</a> in Tanzania and <a href="https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2024/m09/a-floating-school-brings-critical-tech-skills-to-the-amazon.html" target="_blank">floating classrooms</a> in the Amazon to energy grids in Spain, network infrastructure in <a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/news/building-a-stronger-more-secure-more-connected-ukraine-together" target="_blank">Ukraine</a>, and smart cities in India (to name but a few).

So, for Cisco, it’s an important anniversary and a time to celebrate all that CDA has accomplished — in AI, education, healthcare, sustainability, transportation, agriculture, cybersecurity, and more — along with the good it can continue to drive.

One reason for CDA’s success is the leadership of Guy Diedrich, Cisco’s senior vice president and global innovation officer.

“It's a privilege and an honor to work with these countries around the world,” said Diedrich, who has been a prime mover behind CDA since its start. “We have created 1,600 individual digitization projects in every vertical imaginable. And the number of people that CDA has impacted is well into the tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions.”

Cisco’s technology and expertise underlie those 10 years of success. But Fran Katsoudas, Cisco’s EVP and chief people, policy, and purpose officer, also highlighted the role that human relationships have played.

“You have built trust with people around the world, and that is not easy to do,” Katsoudas stressed in congratulating CDA on its anniversary. “And your impact is not only good for Cisco from a business perspective, it's amazing for the world.”

Building that trust starts at the top. And Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins called out the importance of engaging high-level government leaders in the early stages of each project.

“I have the benefit of having been involved when we created this program a decade ago, and it has been hugely powerful,” Robbins said. “It's so logical. If we're going to invest in a country, let's align those investments with the priorities of the head of state in the country. It makes us a better citizen in that country. And it makes us more impactful.”

When doing good is good for business

Like Diedrich and Robbins, Chris Reeves — vice president of Cisco’s Digital Impact Office for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) — has been with CDA from the start. And he shared his thoughts on how the program has evolved during its 10 years, while, at its core, remaining the same.

“Over 10 years, the program's changed and adapted to different waves of technology and changing geopolitical landscapes, and it's adapted and grown,” Reeves said. “But I’m also proud that it has remained true to its original concept, which is to use technology to deliver better outcomes for communities, economic growth, and also potential growth for Cisco.”

Indeed, the CDA program has shown that positive change can be good for business.

“The Country Digital Acceleration Program is proof that you can do good and do well,” Diedrich said. “You can benefit the world. You can lift up populations. You can work with societies to help them take advantage of new opportunities. And you can make money along the way.”

That kind of success, Diedrich believes, creates the potential for doing more good.

“Some people think that somehow if you're making a profit, it diminishes your purpose,” he continued. “I think the exact opposite is true. If you can fulfill your purpose and drive revenue and provide value to the company, then it makes it sustainable. In fact, purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive. They're completely compatible.”

A round of global applause

The spirit trust and cooperation infused the responses of CDA’s partners around the world, starting with Milan, Italy. With Cisco’s help, the city has driven a wide range of smart city, educational, health care, and transportation initiatives, along with creating a Cybersecurity <a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/gov/ciscos-new-cybersecurity-co-innovation-center-inside-one-of-europes-most-famous-museums" target="_blank">Co-innovation Center</a>.

Giuseppe Sala, Milan’s mayor, looks forward to many more years of collaboration.

“Over the past decade, CDA has made remarkable contributions to driving innovation and digital transformation in our city and across the globe,” he said. “Wishing continued success in shaping a more connected and sustainable future for all.”

As regards education, Diedrich stresses that every CDA initiative will include a skills component. So CDA is closely aligned with the Cisco <a href="https://www.netacad.com/" target="_blank">Networking Academy</a>, the largest company-led digital skills program of its kind.

Irais Barreto Canales, of Mexico’s Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Ministry, gave CDA high marks for its many initiatives to better Mexican society. But she called out two that were especially close to her heart.

“Digital Skills for Mexican Women of the 21st Century,” she explained, “is a program in which we have certified nearly 2,000 women in specialized courses representing over 600,000 training hours. The other one was the Digital Skills for Nurturing, which is about growing new companies. These are great examples of how our collaboration with Cisco has increased our digital skills.”

Another project showing the scope and reach of CDA and Networking Academy is the Senac Ferry School, which brings professional training to riverside communities in the Brazilian Amazon.

Born from a longstanding partnership between CDA and Senac — one of Brazil’s leading professional education institutions — the project provides access to technology, connectivity, and knowledge in remote areas. Courses in IT and other fields combine Cisco’s tech expertise with Senac’s educational infrastructure. It’s an initiative that develops essential job market skills, promotes citizenship, and expands opportunities in hard-to-reach regions.

“The people that Senac serves can now access the internet and can access Cisco courses,” said Anna Beatriz, director of professional education at Senac Brazil, “and this transforms lives. Technology courses and free connectivity weren’t accessible to these populations, but now they are.”

Smarter cities, schools, traffic, and more

At the same time, powerful new network solutions are giving Japanese schools a big boost. Cisco and CDA’s GIGA schools package includes Cisco and Meraki networking equipment to create a robust, futureproof network, enabling all-new experiences in K-through-12 education. Webex boards and Cisco Wi-Fi are part of what make learning more fun and effective.

Smart cities have been a keystone of CDA efforts from the start. In India, for example, CDA played a pivotal role in the country’s Smart Cities Mission. And cities like Vijayawada, Gandhinagar and Hyderabad featured Cisco solutions around Wi-Fi, security, smart parking, smart lighting, improvements in transportation, and additional command and control centers.

The Indian government is enacting a bold plan to create 100 smart cities across the country. And CDA looks forward to continued leadership in these efforts, improving connectivity, economic opportunity, sustainability, quality of life, and more.

Speaking of quality of life, in Australia, as in many countries, traffic is a serious issue. So, CDA partnered with <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/transport-for-nsw" target="_blank">Transport for NSW</a> to take smart traffic management to next levels. This included deploying AI, Wi-Fi, and edge computing for real-time analysis of traffic patterns.

"The system is being used to manage congestion more efficiently, to improve the safety of our network, and to improve the customer experience,” said Chris Bennetts, head of technology and innovation, TfNSW. “The future is upon us. The next 3 to 5 years is going to be a game-changer."

Looking to a future that’s more sustainable and equitable

The climate crisis affects us all, so energy grids and renewable energy are key focus areas for CDA.

“We’ve worked very closely with utility companies around the world to help them transform their networks,” said Reeves. “So, they're digitally powered networks and they can respond to the distributed generation of carbon free energy and also the distributed usage of it, from things like autonomous vehicles. So, we've used Cisco's technology to help the utility companies adapt as they've moved to more sustainable solutions.”

Among CDA’s partners is Ikusi, an advanced technology services company that has partnered with CDA on digitizing electricity grids. And Javier Aguilera, managing director of Ikusi Spain, shared some thoughts on working with Cisco and CDA.

“At Ikusi, we have had the privilege of participating in various projects with the Cisco CDA program,” he said. “The latest and most exciting of this is a pioneering project focused on the digitalization of electricity grids in Spain. The Cisco CDA program represents innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to driving digital transformation.”

CDA’s efforts in war-torn Ukraine show how it can respond in some of the most challenging conditions. In addition to its <a href="https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2022/m12/a-rolling-medical-clinic-for-a-rising-refugee-crisis.html" target="_blank">Medibus</a>, a rolling healthcare center that has supported refugees, CDA has helped strengthen and secure Ukraine’s infrastructure while building important educational and skills resources — all of which will be critical as Ukraine anticipates its long struggle to rebuild.

“Our partnership with CDA is a pivotal investment in Ukraine’s and the world’s digital future,” said Valeriya Ionan, deputy minister for Eurointegration at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. “While words cannot fully express our gratitude, our projects speak for themselves. We’re looking forward to the next 10 years.”

Those next 10 years are on the minds of all who are involved in the CDA program. In supporting a future that’s more sustainable, equitable, and connected, CDA is just getting started.

“I’m sure this success story will go on because the disruptive technologies are changing fast than ever before,” concluded Oliver Tuszik, president of Cisco’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region (EMEA). “And no matter in which country we are, they're all looking for help from a reliable partner like Cisco.”

<a href="https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2025/m02/a-cisco-program-brings-innovation-and-equity-to-millions.html" target="_blank">View original content here.</a>

<img alt="Sirish was invited to the chamber floor by Senator Sheikh Rahman. Rahman delivered a statement about Sirish’s accomplishments, his recognition as “America’s Top Young Scientist” and his bright future. After the announcement, multiple senators introduced themselves to Sirish and asked about his work." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edeb9af3-9774-45e0-9bf1-4adfb812ff36" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sirish_with_Sam_Park_3M_2.14.25A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="571" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://news.3m.com/3M-Young-Scientist-Challenge-winner,-Sirish-Subash,-honored-at-Georgia-Capitol" target="_blank">Originally published on 3M News Center</a>

Sirish Subash, the <a href="https://news.3m.com/14-year-old-named-Americas-Top-Young-Scientist-for-inventing-an-AI-based-handheld-pesticide-detector" target="_blank">winner of the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge</a>, was recently celebrated at the Georgia State Capitol. Sirish, his family and his 3M mentor, Aditya Banerji, sat in the House Gallery while he was honored with a proclamation from House Minority Whip Sam Park.

The proclamation recognized his Challenge victory, and his innovative device called PestiSCAND, which can detect pesticide residue on produce. Following the ceremony, Sirish was presented with a framed copy of the proclamation and spoke with Rep. Park about his education and future plans.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my state,” said Sirish. “It was a really cool experience. We got to go through the Capitol, and there was a recognition by my representative and my district senator.”

On the Senate side, Sirish was invited to the chamber floor by Senator Sheikh Rahman. Rahman delivered a statement about Sirish’s accomplishments, his recognition as “America’s Top Young Scientist” and his bright future. After the announcement, multiple senators introduced themselves to Sirish and asked about his work.

"It is incredible to see Sirish recognized in different forums and the level of interest his work on PestiSCAND has generated globally,” said Aditya Banerji, Sirish’s 3M mentor and senior research engineer in its corporate research process laboratory. “He is an exceptionally bright mind who is already looking ahead to how to solve the next societal issue while forging ahead with his studies."

Those who met Sirish at the Capitol were eager to learn what Sirish is planning next. “I’ll be doing more work on PestiSCAND in the next few years, but for now I’m thinking on new projects, like a detector for microplastics in water—that’s what I’m currently working on,” said Sirish.

While 3M and its partners at Discovery Education will continue to celebrate Sirish’s achievement, they recently announced that the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge <a href="https://news.3m.com/2025-01-14-Search-Begins-for-2025-Americas-Top-Young-Scientist" target="_blank">is now open to entries.</a> As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the annual Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." The Challenge is kicking off its 18th season and entries will be accepted until May 1 at <a href="https://youngscientistlab.com/?utm_source=de_marketing&amp;utm_medium=press_release&amp;utm_campaign=2025_q1_ysc_cte" target="_blank">YoungScientistLab.com</a> .

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3M Young Scientist Challenge Winner, Sirish Subash, Honored at Georgia Capitol

<img alt="&quot;.&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d918c0ed-1106-493f-82f1-c22b56cc6fef" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Off%20the%20Books_Workiva_2.14.25A.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />This episode of ESG Talk is a special crossover with the accounting and finance podcast, Off The Books! The momentum behind sustainability is changing around the world. How are companies adjusting their environmental, social, and governance programs as the political landscape shifts?  
Steve and Catherine ask Brandon Buhler, Chief Accounting Officer for Playa Hotels and Resorts, and Esther Toth, Senior Industry Principal at Workiva, about the <a href="https://www.workiva.com/resources/2025-executive-benchmark-integrated-reporting" target="_blank" title="2025 Executive Benchmark on Integrated Reporting">future of sustainability</a>.  
Read some original research on this topic <a href="https://www.workiva.com/resources/2025-executive-benchmark-integrated-reporting" target="_blank" title="2025 Executive Benchmark on Integrated Reporting">here</a>.

<a href="https://newsroom.workiva.com/esg-talk" target="_blank">Listen Now</a>

Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/esg-talk/id1622905439" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7dMHPiSMlZPneZkMBr7hEZ" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Workiva/podcasts" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.  
ESG Talk is brought to you by Workiva, the world’s only unified platform for financial reporting, ESG, audit, and risk. Learn more at <a href="https://www.workiva.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">workiva.com</a>.

Is Sustainability Unsustainable? 

<img alt="&quot;We're delighting consumers with the taste, texture and flavor options they desire in plant-based protein.&quot; - Mike Shantz, Senior Category Manager, Griffith Foods Global Alternative Proteins" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c64023b0-c4e6-4951-ab1f-26fcf8f32ed2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/mike-shantz-discusses-future-sustainable-alternative-proteins-growing-global_GRIFFITH-FOODS_013025.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />Mike Shantz, Senior Category Manager for Griffith Foods’ Global Alternative Proteins business, knows the importance of developing alternative proteins to complement traditional animal protein. 
“As the world’s population grows to an estimated 10 billion by 2050, finding ways to increase food production with fewer resources is essential to ensuring the health of people as well as our planet,” said Mike. Alternative proteins are sustainable, offer health and nutrition benefits, and are accessible and affordable. According to Mike, Griffith Foods’ Alternative Protein Portfolio meets the taste, texture and flavor variety demands of consumers. 
Visit our website and download our <a href="https://bit.ly/4fvxFeU" target="_blank">Alternative Protein Portfolio</a> to learn more.

At Griffith Foods, our purpose defines who we are, what we do, and why we exist, highlighting what makes us distinct and authentic in the marketplace. We help our partners meet the evolving needs and desires of consumers in ways that respect and sustain the planet. Our care and creativity mean we’ll find the right mix of global reach and local impact to serve the earth and nourish all of us who call it home.

Our Sustainability Platform of People, Planet, and Performance guides how we behave, conduct business, and treat people, ensuring that everything we do leads to responsible growth for our entire ecosystem.

People 
We take care of our employees and the communities in which we do business. Planet 
We all share one Earth, and we take environmental action to responsibly care for it.  Performance 
We operate ethically and strategically to create a positive impact for our business and for all of those with whom we interact.

View original content <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/griffith-foods_mike-shantz-senior-category-manager-for-activity-7276598870585815040-8F16?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" target="_blank">here</a>.

Griffith Foods on Sustainable Alternative Proteins for a Growing Population

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Vanilla plant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9fe2dc78-8962-4fb1-a00b-a0b3295ac9a2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-Madagascan-Vanilla_Bath-and-Body-Works_020525.png" width="640" height="1075" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Madagascar is the largest source of natural vanilla for Bath &amp; Body Works and grows the majority of the world’s Vanilla Planifolia species.</figcaption></figure>As an important part of Bath &amp; Body Works’ ESG journey, we’re working to create lasting, positive impacts through sustainable sourcing practices. Beginning in 2023, we partnered with Antea Group, an international expert in sustainability, to build a tool that allows us to better understand the social and environmental implications of the materials used in the most important areas of our business (for both merchandise and non-merchandise purchasing). This tool was developed to help support our ESG commitments toward improving the sustainability profile of priority ingredients and contributing to resilient communities.

Based on this initial assessment, we embarked on our journey to pilot programs that help us make progress on our commitments, starting with Madagascan vanilla.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Vanilla beans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ab83a04-bbdf-46d7-bac4-15273dd631d6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/vanillaimage_BBW_021125.jpg" width="640" height="1066" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Madagascar is the largest source of natural vanilla for Bath &amp; Body Works and grows the majority of the world’s Vanilla Planifolia species.</figcaption></figure>Madagascar is the largest source of natural vanilla for Bath &amp; Body Works and grows the majority of the world’s Vanilla Planifolia species. Madagascar is rich in biodiversity, but the impacts of natural catastrophes, such as droughts, and economic conditions pose a risk to vanilla farmers.

Through a new partnership with the Givaudan Foundation, we’re working to improve the living conditions of Madagascan vanilla farmers. We are subsidizing 3,000 Madagascan-produced, energy-efficient cookstoves over three years for 3,000 farming households in the Sava region of Madagascar, which is where most of the natural vanilla in our products originates.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Vanilla Planifolia tree" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbc8d5cc-8d88-4295-a674-88472107f7fa" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Madagascan-Vanilla_Bath-and-Body-Works_020525-2.jpg" width="736" height="980" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>We believe that finding ways to positively impact these farmers is the right thing to do to help ensure this ingredient is available for future generations.</figcaption></figure>Similar projects like this in the past have shown to:

<ul><li>Reduce number of trees harvested to use as fuel in cooking.</li>
	<li>Reduce time spent by households to collect firewood.</li>
	<li>Reduce smoke exposure for households.</li>
	<li>Create local jobs as stove resellers in the region.</li>
</ul>We believe that finding ways to positively impact these farmers is the right thing to do to help ensure this ingredient is available for future generations. We look forward to using learnings from our Madagascan vanilla program to learn, grow and most importantly, deepen our focus on what truly matters — our people, communities and planet.

Bath & Body Works’ First Sustainable Sourcing Social Impact Program: Madagascan Vanilla

<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2025-02/aflac_supplemental_coach_of_the_game%20%281080p%29.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

<a href="https://newsroom.aflac.com/Prime-Time-upgrade-Colorado-coaching-roster-expands" target="_blank">Originally published on Aflac Newsroom</a>

If there’s one thing fans and media have learned by now, it’s to always expect the unexpected with University of Colorado Head Football Coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders. Known for keeping things interesting, like being the only athlete to play in both the Super Bowl and the World Series, Coach Prime never misses a chance to surprise.
<img alt="Coach Prime and Piper. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05d9dd63-7e29-4db9-aeb2-0efc1b6b5e66" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coach%20Prime%20and%20Piper_Aflac_2.11.25A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="660" loading="lazy" />On Sept. 17, at the news conference leading to the Colorado vs. Baylor showdown, Coach Prime added another twist. In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, he introduced 8-year-old cancer survivor and lifelong Buffs fan, Piper Lardes, as the Aflac Supplemental Coach of the Game.
<img alt="Piper shown with her Aflac Duck." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a92d21c8-2c37-484d-a9b4-fd579c2d2d14" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Piper%20MSAD_Aflac_2.11.25B.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="960" loading="lazy" />Piper, a true Buffs fan through and through, took a few questions from reporters with confidence and shared how excited she was to team up with Aflac and Coach Prime to help support the Buffs in their upcoming game. Sporting her Blenders sunglasses and wrapping up with a heartfelt "Sko Buffs!," Piper stole the show.

Piper’s connection with Coach Prime goes back to this past summer when they met at a children's hospital during a My Special Aflac Duck® delivery, but Piper’s journey started much earlier. At just 4 years old, she began experiencing unexplained arm pain, which led to an emergency MRI. On Halloween 2020, she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare tumor pressing against her spinal cord.

After enduring 28 weeks of biweekly chemotherapy and 31 days of radiation, Piper was declared cancer-free. Today, she enjoys reading, playing softball and helping raise awareness for pediatric cancer. She even had the chance to do just that during the first quarter of the Colorado vs. Baylor game on Sept. 21.
<img alt="Piper and her Alfac Duck at Colorado vs. Baylor game on Sept. 21." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77d6ea1e-0672-4202-a543-54225ab7a75b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Piper%20MSAD_Aflac_2.11.25C.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="416" loading="lazy" />On the field, <a href="https://cubuffs.com/news/2024/8/19/buffalo-sports-properties-supplementing-the-headset-game-aflac-and-colorado-buffaloes-unveil-first-of-its-kind-coaching-staff-headset-lineup" target="_blank">Piper wore the first-of-its-kind Aflac-branded coaching staff custom headset</a> that coordinated with the team’s helmets. Piper and her family were honored on Folsom Field, where her story was shared with fans. The stadium erupted in applause and cheers when it was announced that Piper is now cancer-free. Fans congratulated her and took photos with her as she made her way to her seat.
<img alt="Piper and her family at the Colorado vs. Baylor game." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87e3c7de-bd11-49af-9059-52b3063795cd" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Lardes%20family_Aflac_2.11.25D.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="717" loading="lazy" />As the Aflac Supplemental Coach of the Game, Piper now boasts a perfect 1-0 coaching record after the Buffs fought hard and clinched a thrilling overtime victory against Baylor. It’s a game — and an experience — Piper and her family will never forget.

These memorable moments serve as powerful reminders about the importance of supporting children with cancer. Watch below for a special message from Piper to Team Aflac.

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2401022C

Prime Time Upgrade: Colorado Coaching Roster Expands

When Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program began in 2015, it represented a radical new concept: that a global technology company could bring together nations’ industry, government, and academic leaders to co-innovate solutions to major societal problems.

<img alt="&quot;Owens Corning Gives Back&quot;. Pink panther makes heart with hands." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df170791-f804-43e9-b4b8-f2b267b11fac" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_OC_2325.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1024" loading="lazy" />We’re taking time to look back at the many ways Owens Corning has given back in 2024. From our Roof Deployment Project, to our work with the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/gary-sinise-foundation?trk=public_post-text" target="_blank">Gary Sinise Foundation</a>, to the many contributions we have made to charitable organizations, we’re highlighting the many ways we work to support our communities. Here's to shaping a better future, together.
<img alt="Collage of images from Roof deployment project" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="708898cd-412e-469f-ae0c-1fec4abaf107" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_OC_2325.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1024" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="Two images of volunteers from &quot;Giving Back&quot; program" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd51efe7-5532-4bed-825c-e781bbfeefb3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_OC_2325.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1024" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="The Gary Sinise Foundation. In 2024, we entered into a $1.5 million agreement with the GSF to continue to help serve our severely injured combat veterans and their families. Two people standing with award." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b55cf23-b764-4dc7-b4b6-1d09cdeb720e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_OC_2325.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1024" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="Two families pose with the The Gary Sinise Foundation logo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a72e1d79-662b-48ee-ae72-b7b3e8eaa772" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/5_OC_2325.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1024" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="&quot;CHARITABLE DONATIONS. And we have made significant contributions to a number of organizations, including:&quot; Three logos of organizations." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efa2c278-36cd-451e-9c72-108fcdc5adae" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/6_OC_2325.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1024" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="Owens Corning Logo. &quot;We Are Proud to be able to give back to our communities&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2292140b-6245-4774-bbbf-10f15869854a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/7_OC_2325.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1024" loading="lazy" />

We’re taking time to look back at the many ways Owens Corning has given back in 2024.

Owens Corning Reflects on a Year of Giving: Strengthening Communities in 2024

<img alt="FedEx truck" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca771751-efc4-4932-802a-d7454ed71e2f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/truck3_FedEx_012025.png" class="align-center" width="624" height="422" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://economicimpact.fedex.com/" target="_blank">Originally published in FedEx's 2024 Global Economic Impact Report</a>

Delivering a more sustainable future

FedEx works hard every day to make global supply chains smarter for everyone by leveraging advanced technologies to help optimize logistics. These efforts have a natural alignment with the company’s longstanding work to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its operations. 
<img alt="FedEx delivery driver" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17908be1-e030-4413-87e5-e735c7559d98" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/driver_FedEx_012025.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1134" loading="lazy" />Between FY 2009 and FY 2023, FedEx reduced its carbon dioxide equivalent emissions intensity on a revenue basis by 48%, even as volume grew by 121%. Further, the company continues to address the challenges presented by climate change as it works toward a goal of carbon neutral global operations by 2040, guided by our strategy: decarbonize what’s possible, co-create with purpose, and neutralize what’s left. 
<img alt="FedEx delivery driver" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ad42000-c1e7-482c-9c4f-116e6994fd7c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/driver2_FedEx_012025.png" class="align-center" width="406" height="304" loading="lazy" />FedEx is determined to continue making progress on its operational goals while also providing direct investments and advocacy to promote sustainable technologies and practices that will help transform the transportation and logistics sector.37

Transportation fleets and fuels  
Electrification offers a significant opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of the FedEx global fleet, which includes more than 200,000 motorized vehicles across several vehicle classes. FedEx has set a goal of transitioning its entire parcel pickup and delivery (PUD) fleet to zero-tailpipe emission vehicles by 2040. In addition to these fleet electrification efforts, FedEx is working to reduce emissions from road and air transport by incorporating cost-effective alternative fuels and modernizing its fleet.

<ul><li>In FY 2024, FedEx added EVs in several markets, including EVs and zero-tailpipe emission motorcycles in Brazil, and dozens of EVs across markets like Canada, Chile, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE, and U.S. Since first deploying EVs in Mainland China in 2018, FedEx has electrified 20% of its PUD fleet in the country. </li>
	<li>In February 2024, FedEx made history by completing the first delivery of a cross-border package via an EV from Malaysia to Singapore. The historic journey was 252 miles and avoided approximately 220 pounds of tailpipe CO2 emissions when compared to making the same journey with a diesel-powered van. The attempt was recognized by the Malaysian Book of Records for “First Malaysian Zero Emission Cross-Border Delivery.” </li>
	<li>FedEx continued to build out charging stations at its facilities worldwide in FY 2024 — including the U.S., Spain, Canada, the UK, and the UAE — to support the ongoing electrification of its parcel PUD fleet and to enable greater EV adoption by the company’s independent service providers. </li>
	<li>FedEx expanded its fleet of e-cargo bikes in FY 2024, adding eight four-wheeled e-cargo bikes in the UK to replace six conventional diesel vans, introducing five commercial electric tricycles to its PUD fleet in Taiwan, and a new e-cargo bike model in Canada.</li>
	<li>In 2023 and early 2024, FedEx Freight in the U.S. took delivery of 36 Class 7 and 8 heavy-duty EV trucks. </li>
	<li>To expand its use of low-carbon fuels, FedEx launched a trial for long-haul vehicles running on hydrotreated vegetable oil, a renewable diesel, in the UK. </li>
	<li>FedEx continues to pursue its ongoing air fleet modernization strategy, which replaces older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models to reduce GHG emissions, air pollution, and local noise pollution. In FY 2024, FedEx permanently retired 31 jet aircraft from the company’s fleet. The company also added 10 new 767s and four new 777s, which are more fuel efficient than the aircraft they replaced. Since 2005, these fleet modernization efforts have helped reduce the overall emissions intensity of the FedEx air fleet by 29%, as of FY 2023. </li>
</ul><img alt="FedEx truck" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86c98f7c-7c2c-4bb3-a66f-2182883c5b36" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/truck_FedEx_012025.png" class="align-center" width="436" height="824" loading="lazy" />Sustainable facilities  When building or expanding facilities, FedEx includes programs and technology to manage waste, conserve water, and reduce the carbon footprint of its operations.

In addition to the facilities and projects highlighted in the regional spotlight sections of this report, other notable projects from FY 2024 include:

<ul><li>FedEx opened its refurbished gateway at the Adolfo SuárezMadrid Barajas Airport, which includes a 156-panel solar array that is estimated to produce approximately 95 megawatt hours of electricity annually. The panels will produce about 17% of the facility’s energy needs. Other sustainable features include LED lighting and a smart water management system to reduce water use.</li>
	<li>FedEx in Mainland China launched a “GoGreen” contest —  in which more than 11,000 FedEx team members participated — to save water, electricity, fuel, and paper in day-to-day operations.</li>
	<li>FedEx opened its Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, using green-certified renovation products. About 80% of the new materials meet local certification standards. Additionally, the building features energy-efficient electrical fixtures and automatic lighting controls to reduce energy consumption.</li>
	<li>FedEx China’s new headquarters in Shanghai, which opened in January 2024, utilizes a variety of leading energy-saving technologies and facilities, notably LED sensor lights in work areas that automatically adjust lighting levels based on employee density and needs. The facility is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified.</li>
	<li>In Thailand, FedEx collaborated with N15 Technology to turn more than 120 kilograms of waste — such as plastic wrap, label stickers, and paper cores — into refuse-derived fuel. </li>
	<li>In Morwell, Australia, FedEx opened a new shipping station equipped with sustainable building features to reduce impact on the environment, including energy-saving LED lighting and a system to collect and reuse rainwater on site.</li>
</ul>Empowering customers and communities  
Along with efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its business operations, FedEx also provides tools to empower customers that are working toward their own sustainability goals and deploys resources to support emerging climate technology solutions and more sustainable communities. 

<ul><li>First launched in the U.S. in May 2023, FedEx® Sustainability Insights is now available in 34 languages and in more than 100 markets around the world. The tool allows customers to estimate the carbon footprint of their eligible shipments within the FedEx network, supporting their own emissions reporting. </li>
	<li>FedEx and the World Resources Institute have been teaming up since 2010 to create what is now the Mobility and Accessibility Program (MAP). MAP is helping cities around the world transform their public transportation systems, making them safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. Now in its 15th year, MAP has impacted more than 23 million people while avoiding over 1 million MT CO2e. Key programs include the expansion of Mobility-as-aService into Shanghai, supporting India’s pledge of 50,000 electric buses by 2027, and significantly improving accessibility and safety with 2,000 new bus shelters in two Brazilian cities. </li>
	<li>For the second year in a row, FedEx funded EIT Climate-KIC’s Sustainable Cities Mobility Challenge in Europe. In FY 2024, five cities across Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the UK were selected to receive funding for projects that support the transition toward cleaner, greener, and more people-friendly transport.  </li>
</ul><img alt="FedEx delivery" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2402b76-5cdb-448e-85e1-26d7010091b7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/delivery_FedEx_012025.png" class="align-center" width="374" height="1250" loading="lazy" />For more information on FedEx sustainability efforts worldwide, <a href="https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/sustainability/gcrs/FedEx_2024_ESG_Report.pdf" target="_blank">see the 2024 ESG Report</a>.

37 This section includes a preview of FedEx sustainability achievements and advancements from FY 2024. A comprehensive summary of enterprise-wide sustainability data for FY 2024 will become available in the next iteration of the FedEx ESG Report, set to be published in CY 2025.

<a href="https://economicimpact.fedex.com/reports/en/2024-FedEx-Economic-Impact-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Read more</a>

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

FedEx works hard every day to make global supply chains smarter for everyone by leveraging advanced technologies to help optimize logistics. These efforts have a natural alignment with the company’s longstanding work to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its operations. 

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