Principal Financial Group, Inc.

Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)

PotlatchDeltic

Principal® Strengthens Commitment to Sustainability with the Release of Third Sustainable Financing Report

PSE&G Volunteers Help America’s Grow-a-Row Combat Food Insecurity in NJ

PotlatchDeltic’s Board of Directors; Setting High Standards

<img alt="A panel of three people" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ef077f7-ac67-4d82-870d-5ee46ef90ef2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Panel_The-Hershey-Company_101624.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="769" loading="lazy" />Five-year agreement builds on significant company investments in improving the well-being of cocoa farming communities

HERSHEY, Pa., October 28, 2024 /CSRwire/ - Hershey announced a five-year agreement with nine cocoa-producing cooperatives in Côte d'Ivoire. The move is part of its "Cocoa For Good" strategy, a 10-year, $500 million investment launched in 2018 by the company to address the complex challenges facing cocoa farmers. The agreement aims to build lasting relationships with farmers that enable a more resilient supply.

A long-term commitment to improve farmer livelihoods

The announcement coincided with the annual National Cocoa and Chocolate Days held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The heart of the agreement is a memorandum of understanding between Hershey, Sucden, and the nine cooperatives which aims to:

<ul><li>Partner with farmers to professionalize cocoa farming and improve their profitability</li>
	<li>Invests in community-based resources that improve household wellbeing</li>
	<li>Preserve the environment and strengthen farm resilience</li>
</ul>Long-term collaboration among the three entities provides stability for farmers and an ability to more directly engage in addressing on-the-farm challenges.

“Improving farmer incomes requires a holistic approach and collaboration across public and private sectors,” said Tricia Brannigan, Vice President, Chief Procurement Officer for Hershey. “Collaboration happens best when you have trust. Trust is built over time through strong, long-lasting relationships.”
<img alt="A large group photo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="07f4b794-13f9-4e50-a8a7-df8c60764c36" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Group-photo_The-Hershey-Company_101624.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="803" loading="lazy" />Building resilient communities within cocoa supply chains 

This agreement aligns with Côte d'Ivoire's National Strategy for Sustainable Cocoa to ensure a coordinated and lasting approach to addressing key challenges in the Ivorian cocoa sector.

This latest move by Hershey is part of a series of significant investments in the well-being of cocoa farming communities. In addition to its $500 million “Cocoa for Good” investment, Hershey launched its $40 million Income Accelerator program in 2023. It is also funding the construction of primary schools in farming communities, through an agreement with the National Oversight Committee for Actions to Fight Child Labor, Trafficking and Exploitation and the International Cocoa Initiative.

To learn more about how Hershey is supporting the people behind its products through initiatives that improve farmer incomes, prioritize children’s well-being and protect the environment, visit <a href="https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/sustainability/sustainability-focus-areas/cocoa.html" target="_blank">https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/sustainability/sustainability-focus-areas/cocoa.html</a>.

About The Hershey Company 

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is an industry-leading snacks company known for making more moments of goodness through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to doing the right thing for its people, planet, and communities. Hershey has more than 20,000 employees in the U.S. and worldwide who work daily to deliver delicious, high-quality products. The company has more than 90 brand names in approximately 80 countries, including Hershey's, REESE'S, Kisses, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers and Ice Breakers, and salty snacks including SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.

For over 130 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly and ethically. The candy and snack maker's founder, Milton Hershey, created Milton Hershey School in 1909, and since then, the company has focused on helping children succeed through equitable access to education. 

To learn more visit <a href="https://www.thehersheycompany.com/" target="_blank">www.thehersheycompany.com</a>.  

Follow:      <a href="https://x.com/hersheycompany" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/hersheycompany</a>      <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hershey-company/?trk=top_nav_home" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hershey-company</a>     <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HersheyCompany/" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/hersheycompany</a>      <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hersheycompany" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/hersheycompany</a>      <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hersheycompany/" target="_blank">http://www.instagram.com/hersheycompany</a>

Hershey Signs Groundbreaking Long-Term Agreement With Cocoa Cooperatives Aimed at Improving Farmer Income and Farm Resiliency

<img alt="Exterior of the 'Cathedral of Rum' and three flag poles." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5881703c-0e61-439f-be68-227206a9f546" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/CathedralofRum_bacardi_102424.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />HAMILTON, Bermuda, October 25, 2024 /CSRwire/ - As part of its continued efforts to protect local wildlife, Bacardi in Puerto Rico recently celebrated the tenth edition of the Puerto Rico Bat Festival in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Bat Conservation Program (PCMPR). The event, which comes just ahead of National Bat Week (24 – 31 October), was held at the BACARDÍ rum distillery in Cataño and was attended by more than 500 people.

During the event, educational talks were presented in which bat conservation experts shared their knowledge and answered questions from attendees; as well as interactive workshops on how we can help protect these important mammals and exhibits on bat species, their habitats, and the crucial role they play in our ecosystem.

The event also served to inaugurate a space dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of bats in our ecosystem, as part of the Casa BACARDÍ visitor experience.

"We want to help people understand the positive impact of bats on the ecosystem," explained Gregorio Frias, Sustainability Manager, Bacardi, based at the BACARDÍ rum distillery. "This effort goes beyond our logo; it reflects our commitment to the conservation of our local environment and wildlife – it’s the right thing to do for our planet.”

The PCMPR aims to protect and conserve the 13 species of bats that inhabit the island, identified in the Areas and Sites of Importance for the Conservation of Bats in Puerto Rico, established for meeting the conservation criteria of the Latin American Network for the Conservation of Bats.

Casa BACARDÍ, which receives around 200,000 visitors annually, has implemented an acoustic monitoring system to identify the species that inhabit the area and adapt spaces that encourage their reproduction and feeding.

Bacardi in Puerto Rico has also received Wildlife Habitat Council Conservation Certification in recognition of its commitment to environmental stewardship and for driving awareness of the role of pollinator gardens in building a healthy ecosystem. Find out more here:

<a href="https://www.bacardilimited.com/media/news-archive/bacardi-in-puerto-rico-doubles-pollinator-gardens-for-bats-bees-and-butterflies-earning-second-wildlife-habitat-council-certification/" target="_blank">https://www.bacardilimited.com/media/news-archive/bacardi-in-puerto-rico-doubles-pollinator-gardens-for-bats-bees-and-butterflies-earning-second-wildlife-habitat-council-certification/</a>

The team at the world’s largest premium rum distillery will also be holding internal events to celebrate throughout National Bat Week. 
 

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Phillippa Williams, Communications Director, Bacardi – <a href="mailto:pholmes@bacardi.com" target="_blank">pholmes@bacardi.com</a>

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 WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 162 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000, operates production facilities in 11 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 <a href="http://www.bacardilimited.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bacardilimited.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bacardi/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> and<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bacardilimited1862" target="_blank"> Instagram</a>.

Bacardi Promotes Conservation and Education To Help Protect Bat Population in Puerto Rico

<img alt="Close up of a humming bird flying next to an orange flowering plant." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d47f384-3bd8-47b9-b958-290bdad77796" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/biodiversity_schneiderelectric_102324.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.se.com/ww/en/insights/post/sustainability/climate-and-planet/how-corporate-power-can-preserve-biodiversity/" target="_blank">Schneider Electric</a>

The United Nations Conference of Parties dedicated to biodiversity, also known as <a href="https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2024" target="_blank">COP16</a>, will begin in Cali, Colombia. Its aim is assessing the progress made by countries toward national action plans and advancing resource mobilization for a just transition.

Humans have an umbilical relationship with nature. It’s now critical, for our species and many others, to rebalance this relationship. I believe corporations — who often bear the heaviest environmental impact — must become role models in protecting the planet and its biodiversity for generations to come.

Strength in biodiversity

Biodiversity encompasses all life on Earth, including plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and humans. This forms an interconnected web of ecosystems and genetic diversity — and the backbone of our planet’s health. Here's why it's so crucial:

<ul><li>Ecosystem stability: Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbances like extreme weather events and diseases. Each species plays a unique role, contributing to the overall health and stability of the environment.</li>
	<li>Food security: A variety of crops and livestock ensures a stable food supply for humanity. Diverse plant species also contribute to soil health, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.</li>
	<li>Medicinal resources: Many medicines are derived from plants and animals. Protecting biodiversity means preserving potential future medical discoveries.</li>
	<li>Economic value: Biodiversity directly supports industries like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism – but also all economic activities based on natural capital, contributing trillions of dollars to the global economy.</li>
	<li>Cultural value: Nature has inspired countless works of art, literature, and traditions. Biodiversity enriches our lives in ways that go beyond the material, sustaining the spirit of civilization.</li>
</ul>The threat of climate change

The effects of human-made climate change, like rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events, pose a sweeping threat to biodiversity. It disrupts habitats, forcing species to adapt, migrate, or face extinction. Take coral reefs, home to 25% of all marine life, which are dying due to warmer waters and ocean acidification. As species disappear, the <a href="https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/5gc2qerb1v_2024_living_planet_report_a_system_in_peril.pdf" target="_blank">delicate balance of ecosystems is thrown off</a>, creating domino effects throughout the food chain.

Human activities are damaging biodiversity directly too. Deforestation, agriculture, urbanization, overexploitation of resources, and introduction of invasive species all contribute to the destruction of natural habitats. We produce vast amounts of waste in the form of chemicals and plastics, which contaminate the land, ocean, and air. The grim result is that humans, as a single species, are directly responsible for a planetary extinction event, known as the Holocene extinction.

However, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/science/articles/10.3389/fsci.2024.1349350/full" target="_blank">experts say</a> this can be halted by conserving 1.22% of Earth’s surface. With this hopeful statistic in mind, we must act immediately. But how?

Large business, large responsibility

As businesses, we have an obvious impact on the planet. We extract resources while generating waste and pollution. This hands us a moral duty to minimize the environmental effects of our operations. It’s also a matter of reputation, as investors and customers become more eco-conscious.

Biodiversity loss leads to operational risks like resource scarcity and supply chain disruptions. By investing in conservation, companies can help safeguard their resources — ensuring resilience and future prosperity. Finally, sustainable practices can lead to innovations and new business opportunities, such as developing cleaner technologies.

But to reduce and minimize their impact, businesses must first understand their impact. They should then implement concrete action plans, while measuring and reporting on progress. Our Sustainability Research Institute offers a <a href="https://www.se.com/ww/en/insights/sustainability/sustainability-research-institute/why-what-how-of-corporate-biodiversity-action.jsp" target="_blank">blueprint</a> for corporate biodiversity action.

In addition, businesses must use their influence to encourage policymakers to create a legal and financial framework that incentivizes biodiversity action. This is already happening in international negotiation arenas such as COP16, as well as the <a href="https://www.businessfornature.org/call-to-action" target="_blank">Business for Nature coalition</a> we joined with 180 companies worldwide, calling to reverse nature loss this decade.

At Schneider Electric, we’re proud to play our part, starting with measurement. Our <a href="https://www.se.com/ww/en/assets/564/document/462018/2023-universal-registration-document.pdf#page=190" target="_blank">Biodiversity Footprint Assessment</a> revealed that 70% of our impact is linked to greenhouse gas emissions; the second factor is related to land use for woods and metals. We took action by <a href="https://download.schneider-electric.com/doc/Biodiversity_Pledge_EN/Biodiversity_Pledge_EN.pdf" target="_blank">pledging</a> voluntary commitments to preserve and restore biodiversity:

<ul><li>Achieving zero net loss biodiversity in direct operations by 2030</li>
	<li>Deploying biodiversity conservation and restoration programs at nearly 400 sites by 2025</li>
	<li>Sourcing 100% deforestation-free wood by 2030</li>
	<li>Educating all our employees by accelerating our corporate biodiversity training</li>
</ul>As part of our <a href="https://www.se.com/ww/en/about-us/sustainability/sustainability-reports/" target="_blank">Sustainability Impact program</a>, we’re also implementing sustainable solutions and circular practices to optimize the use of resources over their entire lifecycle – relieving the pressure on resources and bringing indirect benefits to biodiversity. We partner with suppliers to eliminate single-use plastics from packaging and use recycled cardboard only, helping them to sharply reduce their CO2 emissions.

When it comes to direct biodiversity action, we engage our employees, alongside NGOs and investment funds, on local initiatives. For example, we ensure that all our sites deploy biodiversity conservation and restoration programs aimed at long-lasting impact — and that sites in water-stressed areas enact water conservation plans. By the end of last year, 66% and 73% of our sites reached these goals respectively.

Ground-level action for nature and people

In collaboration with NGO <a href="https://verynile.org/" target="_blank">Very Nile</a> in Egypt, we organize Nile clean-up events that engage our employees and educate them about pollution and its effects on biodiversity. We facilitate the collection and recycling of waste, with the resulting product sold to raise money for the local community. The NGO also guarantees fair wages and social services for the local fishermen and women that collect plastic, creating sustainable livelihoods while helping the planet.

Schneider Electric’s global footprint lets us cater to diverse needs. Our wildlife preservation initiative in East Africa, with <a href="https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/" target="_blank">Sheldrick Wildlife Trust</a> and <a href="https://www.kws.go.ke/" target="_blank">Kenya Wildlife Service</a>, protects an endangered species of elephant, as well as their natural environment. Our employees have “adopted” three orphaned baby elephants in Nairobi National Park, with the company covering the costs of meals, medical treatment, and ranger fees to protect from poachers.

We believe firmly in collective engagement, and that biodiversity education should start from an early age. That’s why in India, employees from our Ahmednagar site joined forces with local pupils to build birdhouses and insect hostels, as well as plant over 3,000 saplings on factory premises, at their own homes, and in school areas. Flora like this provides the ecosystem base for birds and other insects, which will increase the fauna population in turn.

Biodiversity is part of Earth's life support system. Its protection isn’t just an environmental issue, but an economic, social, and ethical imperative. By raising awareness of its importance and addressing the threats of climate change, we can actively shape a more sustainable future. Here, corporations must be on the front line, using their vast resources and footprint to drive substantial change.

How Corporate Power Can Preserve Biodiversity

<img alt="A herd of elephants of different sizes." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d7773ff-8a2c-4096-b4fd-b41787dead0d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/elephants_AB_101824.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="570" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.alliancebernstein.com/corporate/en/bio.bob-herr.html" target="_blank">Bob Herr</a>| Director of Corporate Governance

<a href="https://www.alliancebernstein.com/corporate/en/bio.luke-pryor.html" target="_blank">Luke Pryor</a>| Portfolio Manager—Security of the Future; Co-Portfolio Manager—Responsible US Equities; Senior Research Analyst—US Large Cap Value

A company’s governance practices can provide valuable insights into its risk management and sustainability—and a company’s board composition is a key factor to consider. Research—our own included—indicates that the age diversity of a company’s board of directors may correlate with operational performance and shareholder returns, making a strong case for multigenerational boards.

Long on Experience, Short on Age Variability

There’s a lot to be said for experience. Directors need the right mix of skills and experience to provide effective guidance and oversight. That often comes with time. But there’s a point at which boards may become too monolithic, in our view.

Consider, for example, that nearly 70% of directors within S&amp;P 500 companies represent a single generation—baby boomers. Moreover, only 5% of directors are under the age of 50.

Why does that matter? A broader range of generational perspectives on corporate boards may improve operating performance, strengthen business durability and smooth succession planning.

Those aren’t just theories. They’re backed up by research.

Age Diversity Linked to Improved Oversight and Financials

Researchers from the University of New Hampshire found that the presence of directors from Generation X (people born between 1965 and 1980) was correlated with <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3540512#:~:text=Generation%20X%20directors%20are%20slowly%20replacing%20Baby%20Boomers%20on" target="_blank">improved financial performance</a>, as measured by return on assets and price to book. Notably, the study found that that relationship was especially strong at firms that invest more in research and development (R&amp;D) and engage in patenting activity.

Another recent study focused on more than 7,000 banks. Controlling for various firm and board characteristics, researchers found that greater age diversity on bank boards was correlated with <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00187267221108729" target="_blank">higher-quality earnings reporting, reduced loan charge-offs and fewer nonperforming loans</a>. The authors theorize that multigenerational boards are more likely to challenge entrenched managerial decisions and established protocol, resulting in improved monitoring effectiveness.

Eventually, of course, businesses need a succession plan for their leaders. Here, too, multigenerational boards appear to provide benefits. According to PwC, increased age diversity among corporate board members allows for more gradual leadership changes—reducing loss of experience and knowledge and <a href="https://www.pwc.nl/nl/actueel-publicaties/assets/pdfs/age-diversity.pdf" target="_blank">smoothing inevitable leadership transitions</a>. The study also suggested that multigenerational boards may help expand the pool of future leaders, while increasing teamwork and collaboration within an organization.

So, what does this mean for investors? Quite a bit, it turns out.
<img alt="Info graphic bar chart &quot;Greater Board Age Diversity Correlates with Higher Historical Returns&quot; with data from 11 categories." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a54a42b-1e44-4ea4-b077-e2c15079e0fe" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/generationalboards_AB_101824.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="888" loading="lazy" />The Link Between Multigenerational Boards and Share Prices

We sorted constituents of the Russell 1000 Index into three baskets according to the age range of their directors. The first basket comprised boards with a greater than 30-year difference between the oldest and youngest directors. On the other end of the spectrum were boards with small age variability—20 years or less. A third basket made up the middle, with boards spanning 21 to 30 years in age difference.

After analyzing stock performance from 2017 through 2023, we found that companies with the greatest board age variance produced the strongest annualized returns, while those with the least age variance produced the weakest returns.

This trend was consistent across most sectors but was more pronounced in innovation-oriented sectors—even when controlling for founder-led versus non-founder-led organizations. Board age diversity appeared to be most valuable in R&amp;D-intensive sectors like technology and healthcare, and least valuable in less R&amp;D-intensive sectors like materials and real estate (Display).

Board Age Considerations Warrant a Closer Look

This isn’t to say that youth trumps experience, nor are we suggesting that companies nominate inexperienced younger directors or entrenched older directors to maximize a board’s age range. In our view, a director’s qualifications are still of paramount importance. Nonetheless, multigenerational boards have tended to deliver stronger investment performance than their monogenerational counterparts over the past several years.

Despite a growing body of evidence highlighting the benefits of age diversity on corporate boards, we’ve yet to see any regulation or governance codes that address this issue. That could eventually change. Over time, we hope to better understand whether companies are including age diversity in their board refreshment considerations, and to identify sectors in which this may be most (and least) relevant.

There are many factors to consider when investing; the makeup of a company’s board is just one. But given the correlation between board age diversity and improved operating metrics and returns, we believe age diversity on corporate boards warrants a closer look.

Landon Shea, Investment Stewardship Associate, and Michael Crovetto, Research Analyst, were instrumental in the research supporting this blog.

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations and do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams. Views are subject to change over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility <a href="https://www.alliancebernstein.com/corporate/en/corporate-responsibility.html?syn:pan-emea:brand:3bl:eu942" target="_blank">here.</a>

AllianceBernstein's Case for Multigenerational Corporate Boards

<img alt="A long row of solar panels, rows of wind turbines in the background." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b28a5856-8eab-4910-9566-b570ff44fb39" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/renewables_keysight_092524.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />Financial advisors help develop a plan for someone to ensure they are financially secure as they age. This is done with a diverse portfolio of investments to ensure a stable and reliable source of income over time. The energy grid also requires a diverse portfolio of energy sources to improve network reliability and resilience over time, and renewable energy sources provide that sustainability. Integrating renewables is critical to grid modernization as this shift is reshaping how the world generates, distributes, and consumes electricity.

Grid modernization is focused on transforming the current electrical energy infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century and beyond. This change of the <a href="https://www.keysight.com/us/en/industries/grid-and-energy.html" target="_blank" title="grid and energy">grid and energy</a> industry is complex and ongoing. Collaboration between utilities, technology companies, policymakers, and consumers is essential to overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by grid modernization. Key to this transition will be the integration of multiple technologies into the energy grid, including renewables.

History of renewables in the power grid

Renewable energy is one of the earliest forms of power production. Windmills and waterwheels have been used for centuries to produce mechanical power as well as food products. However, when the industrial revolution started, steam engines and coal production took over as the primary power sources. The oil crises that spread throughout the late 20th century revived interest in renewable energy, with solar, wind, and hydropower being the primary sources of generation.

The 21st century has seen a dramatic increase in renewable energy source usage, with solar and wind expected to account for 95% of global renewable expansion.1 In fact, renewables are expected to surpass coal to become the largest source of electricity by 2025. This dramatic shift in power sources has major implications on global emissions generation and the energy grid going forward.

Renewables supporting grid modernization

Several renewable energy sources are playing a significant role in enhancing the power grid's reliability, efficiency, and sustainability, including:

<ul><li>Solar: <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/how-does-solar-work" target="_blank" title="Solar power">Solar power</a> involves converting sunlight into electricity using solar panels. This can be done individually at a home or on large solar farms.</li>
	<li>Wind: <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/wind-energy-basics" target="_blank" title="Wind power">Wind power</a> harnesses the kinetic energy of the wind to generate electricity using wind turbines. This is most commonly achieved on wind farms on large plains, but smaller scale wind generation is possible with new turbine technologies.</li>
	<li>Hydropower: <a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/hydropower/" target="_blank" title="Hydropower">Hydropower</a> leverages the energy of flowing water to produce electricity using dams. This form of energy generation has been around for centuries, and it remains the largest source of renewable energy generation in many parts of the world.</li>
	<li>Bioenergy: <a href="https://www.iea.org/energy-system/renewables/bioenergy" target="_blank" title="Bioenergy">Bioenergy</a> utilizes organic materials, such as wood, agricultural waste, and algae, to generate fuels that can be used to replace fossil fuels. It has become the largest source of renewable energy globally today, accounting for 55% of renewable energy and over 6% of global energy supply.2</li>
	<li>Geothermal: <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/geothermal-energy/" target="_blank" title="Geothermal energy">Geothermal energy</a> taps into the heat stored in the Earth's interior to generate electricity or heat. Geothermal heat pumps have become popular options for home residences when replacing furnaces and air conditioners.</li>
	<li>Tidal and wave: <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/tidal-energy/" target="_blank" title="Tidal and wave power">Tidal and wave power</a> harness the natural movement of ocean tides and waves. This is an emerging area of energy research and development, with projects using underwater wave devices and tidal turbines just starting to be implemented.</li>
</ul>Each of these sources has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular region or application depends on multiple factors, including climate, geography, and economic considerations. Some renewables may be limited in their usage based on these factors, but the right energy mix working together makes an impact on grid modernization.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Info graphic line chart &quot;Share of renewable electricity generation by technology&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="00bd5ced-67b3-44bf-be69-b4c95c3d29b3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/energygeneration_keysight_092524.jpg" width="640" height="649" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Source: IEA</figcaption></figure>Benefits and challenges of renewables for grid modernization

Using renewables are critical in transforming the traditional power grid into a more energy-efficient and sustainable network. Grid modernization brings numerous benefits to the system and users alike. Utility providers benefit as renewables can produce power continuously— removing reliance on fossil fuels sourced from unstable regions. Renewables decentralize power generation, helping distribute energy more widely to improve energy resilience. This can help reduce the need for new power plant and power grid construction.

Users benefit as renewables generate little-to-no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants, which improves the quality of the air and the environmental impact overall of power generation. Renewables also provide possibilities for investment in new energy job creation and can stimulate economic growth in more regions.

While renewables offer significant benefits for grid modernization, some challenges remain for acceptance and implementation to grow. The initial investment in building renewably-sourced infrastructure can be high, but costs are decreasing as development continues. Energy storage used by renewables is necessary for large-scale operations, which adds additional cost to construction. Some renewable sources, like <a href="https://www.keysight.com/us/en/products/dc-power-supplies/dc-power-solutions/mp4300-series-solar-array-simulator-system.html" target="_blank" title="solar">solar</a> and wind, can be intermittent in their power generation depending on weather conditions, which can make demand planning difficult for utility providers. Also, some renewable sources are dependent on geographical conditions, like flat plains or water sources, which limits their use outside of those regions.

Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the expansion of renewable power sources and the modernization of the power grid. Successful implementation requires developing the right energy mix to ensure a sustainable power supply.

The Road Ahead

The transformation of the grid and energy industry is complex and ongoing. The full potential of renewables for grid modernization can be realized by investing in infrastructure upgrades, developing innovative technologies, and collaboration between industry stakeholders. This will ensure the world can create a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy grid for the future. Like a well-balanced investment portfolio, the power grid will have a sustainable supply of energy sources going forward.

Read all blog posts in this series on <a href="https://www.keysight.com/blogs/en/inds/2024/06/10/grid-modernization-is-integrating-multiple-industries" target="_blank" title="grid modernization">grid modernization</a>, <a href="https://www.keysight.com/blogs/en/inds/2024/07/30/communications-is-connecting-grid-modernization" target="_blank" title="network communications">network communications</a>, and <a href="https://www.keysight.com/blogs/en/inds/2024/08/23/energy-storage-is-stabilizing-grid-modernization" target="_blank" title="energy storage">energy storage</a>.

Sources:

1. IEA 2023; Renewables 2023, <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2023" target="_blank" title="https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2023">https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2023</a>, License: CC BY 4.0. 
2. IEA 2023; Bioenergy, <a href="https://www.iea.org/energy-system/renewables/bioenergy" target="_blank" title="https://www.iea.org/energy-system/renewables/bioenergy">https://www.iea.org/energy-system/renewables/bioenergy</a>, License: CC BY 4.0.

Renewables Are Sustaining Grid Modernization

<img alt="2 people sitting at a booth at a conference " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82d47551-65da-4be9-954a-2865556a8bc5" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/technopolis_Chemours_92724.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="790" loading="lazy" />Chemours Belgium has launched a three-year partnership with <a href="https://www.technopolis.be/en/" target="_blank">Technopolis</a>, the Flemish science and technology discovery center. The collaboration is officially sealed in the presence of local authorities and Chemours’ President &amp; CEO Denise Dignam, who is visiting Belgium specifically for this occasion.

"Our collaboration with Technopolis provides a unique opportunity to inspire and engage more young people with STEM at a time when demand for these skills is high, but the number of students in STEM fields is low," said Denise Dignam, President &amp; CEO of Chemours. "We want to introduce students, regardless of their background, to the possibilities of science and technology and encourage them to explore the world of STEM. Our partnership with Technopolis makes that a hands-on reality for local students."

Chemours will sponsor class visits to Technopolis, allowing students from Mechelen and the surrounding area to participate in exciting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities at no cost. Additionally, Chemours will contribute to the development of new interactive exhibits and experiments designed to spark young people's interest in science and technology.

The need for more STEM investments

The shortage of STEM professionals in Flanders is growing, as highlighted by the <a href="https://publicaties.vlaanderen.be/view-file/65755" target="_blank">STEM-monitor 2024</a>. The share of STEM education in secondary schools has fallen to 37%, while Flanders aims to reach 40% by the 2030-2031 school year. Furthermore, the proportion of girls in STEM remains far below the 20% target for 2030-2031, with just 6.4% in vocational education and 13.7% in technical education. Chemours aims to improve these figures by making STEM more accessible and is investing in this partnership with Technopolis to inspire young people and reduce barriers to STEM education.

Diversity and inclusion as key focus areas

Chemours is committed to making STEM education more accessible to young people from under-resourced and under-represented backgrounds. In fact, by 2030, Chemours has set a goal to <a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/sustainability/2030-goals/community-impact/vibrant-communities" target="_blank">invest $50 million</a> in communities where it operates to improve lives by increasing access to STEM skills and other key programming. Partnering with organizations like Technopolis, alongside Chemours’ school partner and scholarship programming, will meaningful contribute to advancing a more equitable and diverse future STEM workforce.

Collaboration with local school

To celebrate the launch of the new partnership, Chemours has invited students from Technische Scholen Mechelen (a Chemours’ ChemFEST <a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/about-chemours/global-reach/belgium/belgium-news/belgium-signs-chemfest-partnership-with-tsm" target="_blank">partner school</a>) to be the first to participate in the Technopolis workshops under the partnership.

"The presence of students at this launch demonstrates the value of involving them in practical learning experiences at a young age," added Ferdy Onink, Plant Manager of Chemours Mechelen. "We want to show them that a career in STEM is not only exciting but also accessible to everyone."

<a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chemours.com%2Fen%2F-%2Fmedia%2Ffiles%2Fcorporate%2Fsustainability%2F2023%2Fforward-looking-statements-and-other-information.pdf%3Frev%3D76c672f7e3f44d1fb4b01bb72f109e20&amp;n=1273831" target="_blank">Forward-looking statements and other information.</a>

Chemours and Technopolis Announce Partnership, Creating Three Years of STEM Opportunities for Local Youth

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="A Bath &amp; Body Works employee helping a customer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a2891e-bbb2-4f03-95fd-688fa2b3c82d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-recognized-forbes-its-annual-best-customer-service-list_BATH-AND-BODY-WORKS_102524.png" width="640" height="544" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Bath &amp; Body Works announces its inclusion on Forbes’ Best Customer Service list. The second annual list recognizes the top brands that go above and beyond to surprise and delight their customers.  </figcaption></figure>October 28, 2024 /CSRwire/ - Today Bath &amp; Body Works announces its inclusion on Forbes’ <a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-customer-service/" target="_blank">Best Customer Service list</a>. The second annual list recognizes the top brands that go above and beyond to surprise and delight their customers.

In partnership with data analytics company HundredX, Forbes conducted a 12-month survey of 181,000 people in the United States. The survey findings provided 4.4 million ratings of more than 3,500 brands based on four factors: personal interaction, speed, services and resolution. The top 300 companies made the final list.

Bath &amp; Body Works has been a global leader in fragrance for more than three decades. Currently the brand’s products can be found in approximately 40% of U.S. households, and many more around the world. Bath &amp; Body Works continues to build on that proven success by meeting their customer needs and expanding into new categories like laundry, haircare, lip care and men’s.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="A Bath &amp; Body Works employee helping two customers in a store" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="551f0ff8-5913-4125-94e6-e04b5c05224a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2-recognized-forbes-its-annual-best-customer-service-list_BATH-AND-BODY-WORKS_102524.png" width="640" height="544" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>In partnership with data analytics company HundredX, Forbes conducted a 12-month survey of 181,000 people in the United States.</figcaption></figure>Additionally, the brand continues to invest in its technology capabilities to deliver new levels of customer service, agility and performance. Recently, Bath &amp; Body Works released an <a href="https://www.bbwinc.com/media/newsroom/bath-body-works-rolls-out-enhanced-mobile-app-experience-for-award-winning-loyalty-program" target="_blank">enhanced mobile app</a> to streamline the customer experience and deepen engagement in the brand’s award-winning loyalty program. “Our customers are at the center of everything we do. We’re committed to providing a seamless experience and deepening our connection every time they engage with our brand,” says Maurice Cooper, Chief Customer Officer at Bath &amp; Body Works. “This recognition is a testament to our successful strategy, reinforces the brand love from our loyal fanbase and highlights our one-of-a-kind retail experience that truly sets us apart.”

Forbes has previously recognized Bath &amp; Body Works for its industry-leading customer experience efforts.

For more information about Bath &amp; Body Works, visit <a href="http://bbwinc.com/" target="_blank">bbwinc.com</a>.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Maurice Cooper" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d94b5145-ce32-4c8d-aaf8-43abbd847ac2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/3-recognized-forbes-its-annual-best-customer-service-list_BATH-AND-BODY-WORKS_102524.png" width="640" height="416" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>“Our customers are at the center of everything we do. We’re committed to providing a seamless experience and deepening our connection every time they engage with our brand,” says Maurice Cooper, Chief Customer Officer at Bath &amp; Body Works.</figcaption></figure>ABOUT BATH &amp; BODY WORKS

Home of America’s Favorite Fragrances®, Bath &amp; Body Works is a global leader in personal care and home fragrance, including top-selling collections for fine fragrance mist, body lotion and body cream, 3-wick candles, home fragrance diffusers and liquid hand soap. Powered by agility and innovation, the company’s predominantly U.S.-based supply chain enables the company to deliver quality, on-trend luxuries at affordable prices. Bath &amp; Body Works serves and delights customers however and wherever they want to shop, from welcoming, in-store experiences at more than 1,870 company-operated Bath &amp; Body Works locations in the U.S. and Canada and more than 490 international franchised locations to an online storefront at <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.3blmedia.com%2Ftrack%3Fu%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.bathandbodyworks.com%252F%26n%3D1258176&amp;n=1268326" target="_blank">BathandBodyWorks.com</a>.

Today Bath &amp; Body Works announces its inclusion on Forbes’ Best Customer Service list. The second annual list recognizes the top brands that go above and beyond to surprise and delight their customers.

Bath & Body Works Recognized by Forbes on Its Annual “Best Customer Service” List

Hershey announced a five-year agreement with nine cocoa-producing cooperatives in Côte d'Ivoire. 

<img alt="black and pink truck in front of trees and sky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="966fe183-6134-469c-8245-baeb55c4a656" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Black-Nomad-Deployed-t-mobile-102524kh1.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />BELLEVUE, Wash., October 28, 2024 /CSRwire/ - T-Mobile announced the expansion of its 5G service across 11 rural California county fairgrounds, along with the introduction of open Wi-Fi access in the fairgrounds’ administration buildings. This initiative is designed to support public safety agencies, as well as federal, state, and local officials, by providing reliable connectivity for incident command posts and central emergency hubs during natural disasters, ensuring seamless communication for emergency responders. This move aligns with T-Mobile’s commitment to the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) to keep rural Californians connected in times of emergency and to support other uses throughout the year, including for digital literacy training and economic development.

California is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, with governors declaring <a href="https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/deductions/disaster-codes.html" target="_blank">over 100 such events since 2015</a>. And, as of September 2024, California has experienced <a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/state-summary/CA#:~:text=From%201980%E2%80%932024%20(as%20of,events%2C%20and%2019%20wildfire%20events" target="_blank">46 weather and climate disasters since 1980</a> that have each caused over $1 billion in losses. Given this reality, T-Mobile’s network enhancements are a proactive step to address critical needs for public safety and first responders in rural areas during emergencies such as fires, floods and earthquakes, which often require massive emergency responses in rural and remote areas. The county fairgrounds will serve as emergency hubs, ensuring that first responders and impacted members of the public have quick access to a secure Wi-Fi network. In addition to providing support during emergencies, <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/network" target="_blank">T-Mobile’s leading 5G network</a> will also enable digital literacy learning, economic development activities and support other community events at the fairgrounds’ administration buildings during non-emergency periods.

“At T-Mobile, we recognize that connectivity is crucial for saving lives in times of crisis. By expanding our 5G network to cover 11 California rural county fairground command centers, we’re providing first responders and local officials with a literal lifeline when they need it most,” said Callie Field, President, T-Mobile Business Group. “This enhancement underscores our commitment to public safety and our dedication to ensuring that communities are prepared for whatever challenges come their way.”

“For more than a decade, the California Emerging Technology Fund has prioritized fairgrounds as essential anchor institutions for connection to high-speed internet,” said Sunne Wright McPeak, CETF President and CEO. “We are grateful to T-Mobile for meeting their commitment to connect 10 rural county fairgrounds with 5G service, with the voluntary addition of one other. Their action ensures that first responders and the public have access to internet service during disasters and emergencies, as well for other uses that can help close the digital divide and support economic development.”

Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Karen Ross applauded the 5G deployment of infrastructure to the 11 fairgrounds saying, “CDFA welcomes these new assets to help California’s first responders prepare for and respond to emergencies, as well as to provide those communities with these resources to use for other activities throughout the year. We express our gratitude to T-Mobile and CETF for providing this public benefit.”

The 11 fairgrounds are:

Calaveras County – Angels Camp

Glenn County – Orland

Imperial Valley – Imperial

Lake County – Lakeport

The National Orange Show – San Bernardino

Nevada County – Grass Valley

Redwood Empire – Ukiah

San Benito – Tres Pinos

Sonoma County – Santa Rosa

Yuba-Sutter – Yuba City

Yolo County – Woodland

For more information on T-Mobile’s emergency response efforts, go to <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/emergency-response" target="_blank">T-Mobile’s Emergency Response Resource Hub</a>.

Follow <a href="https://x.com/TMobileNews" target="_blank">@TMobileNews</a> on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date with the latest company news.

# # #

About T-Mobile 

T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/" target="_blank">https://www.t-mobile.com</a>  

Media Contact  
T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations  <a href="mailto:MediaRelations@T-Mobile.com" target="_blank">MediaRelations@t-mobile.com</a>

Investor Relations Contact   
T-Mobile US, Inc.   <a href="mailto:investor.relations@t-mobile.com" target="_blank">investor.relations@t-mobile.com</a>   <a href="https://investor.t-mobile.com/" target="_blank">https://investor.t-mobile.com</a>

The expansion enhances public safety by ensuring that first responders and local officials using the fairgrounds as incident command posts stay connected during emergencies

Latest

Bath & Body Works Recognized by Forbes on Its Annual “Best Customer Service” List

Hershey Signs Groundbreaking Long-Term Agreement With Cocoa Cooperatives Aimed at Improving Farmer Income and Farm Resiliency

T-Mobile Strengthens California’s Emergency Preparedness with Expanded 5G Access at 11 Rural County Fairgrounds

Principal® Strengthens Commitment to Sustainability with the Release of Third Sustainable Financing Report

PSE&G Volunteers Help America’s Grow-a-Row Combat Food Insecurity in NJ

PotlatchDeltic’s Board of Directors; Setting High Standards

Articles

Hershey Signs Groundbreaking Long-Term Agreement With Cocoa Cooperatives Aimed at Improving Farmer Income and Farm Resiliency

Bacardi Promotes Conservation and Education To Help Protect Bat Population in Puerto Rico

How Corporate Power Can Preserve Biodiversity

AllianceBernstein's Case for Multigenerational Corporate Boards

Renewables Are Sustaining Grid Modernization

Chemours and Technopolis Announce Partnership, Creating Three Years of STEM Opportunities for Local Youth