Geovanny Vicente – Página 104

Crown Recognized As Leader By CDP For Supplier Engagement In Managing Climate Risk

YARDLEY, Pa., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) has been identified as a global leader for its actions and strategies to reduce emissions and manage climate risks in its supply chain. CDP, a leading global environmental impact non-profit organization, has awarded Crown a Supplier Engagement Rating (SER) of A as part of its annual climate change assessment of companies globally. This rating earns Crown a spot on the 2020 Supplier Engagement Leaderboard and puts the…

The SER provides a rating for how effectively companies engage their suppliers on climate change. CDP assessed performance on supplier engagement using a company’s response to select questions on governance, targets, Scope 3 emissions and value chain engagement in the CDP Climate Change 2020 questionnaire.

Climate Action is one of five central pillars of action under Crown’s Twentyby30 sustainability strategy. As part of its commitments in this area, the Company has pledged to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from its supply chain (Scope 3) by 16% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. To achieve this goal, Crown is joining together with suppliers to reduce the GHG footprint of materials (focused on steel and aluminum, coatings and varnishes) and its capital goods, therefore streamlining downstream logistics, distribution and transportation and reducing fuel consumption and mileage.

«Climate change is the most significant risk of our time,» stated John Rost, Ph.D., Vice President, Global Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Crown. «Corporate action to reduce GHG emissions will have a meaningful impact on the fight against climate change, but no company can do it alone. Data from CDP shows that a company’s supply chain emissions are over 11.4 times greater than its direct emissions on average, so it is critical that we look at ways we can work with our suppliers around the world to advance our collective progress. For the last several years, we have been working hard to increase our activity and transparency when it comes to supplier engagement. This recognition from CDP demonstrates that we have taken notable strides toward that objective.»

Crown’s inclusion on the 2020 CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard is the latest recognition for the Company’s sustainability efforts. In October 2020, Crown was named as one of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world by The Wall Street Journal. Crown was also included in the publication’s list of the 10 best companies at managing environmental risk and was the only U.S.-based company on the list. Sustainalytics, the environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings provider, ranked Crown as the number one low-risk organization of 48 reviewed companies operating in the metal and glass packaging sector in 2020. Crown placed in the top 1.4% of scores within Sustainalytics’ total research universe of more than 12,500 companies.

About Crown Holdings, Inc.

Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies, as well as transit and protective packaging products, equipment and services to a broad range of end markets. World headquarters are located in Yardley, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.crowncork.com.

For more information, contact sustainability@crowncork.com.

For editorial inquiries: Mallory Schindler, Account Supervisor, FINN Partners; Tel: (212) 529-2634; Email: mallory.schindler@finnpartners.com

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SOURCE Crown Holdings, Inc.

CIBC becomes the First Canadian Bank to join RMI’s Center for Climate-Aligned Finance

Partnership focused on furthering sustainable finance options for corporate clients

TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – CIBC (TSX: CM) NYSE: CM) today announced it has joined RMI’s Center for Climate-Aligned Finance (the Center) as a Strategic Partner and the…

Partnership focused on furthering sustainable finance options for corporate clients

TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – CIBC (TSX: CM) NYSE: CM) today announced it has joined RMI’s Center for Climate-Aligned Finance (the Center) as a Strategic Partner and the first Canadian bank to announce its partnership in the Center’s efforts to develop the agreements and tools necessary to align financial decision-making with the long-term decarbonization of the real economy.

CIBC joins US financial institutions Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America as key financial-sector partners of the Center. The Center serves as an «engine room» for the financial sector to work with corporate clients to identify practical solutions through deep partnerships with industry and policymakers to facilitate a transition in the global economy to net-zero emissions by mid-century. Achieving meaningful targets for carbon reduction requires the support of financial institutions, and the commitment of innovative companies in high-emitting sectors focused on the long term and committed to progress towards a more sustainable future. The collective impact of these stakeholders will be essential to achieving long term goals.

«We are committed to developing market-based solutions that address critical environmental challenges, and our collaboration with the Center for Climate-Aligned Finance is an additional resource to further our momentum and expertise in this important area,» said Harry Culham, Group Head, Capital Markets, CIBC. «As a purpose-led bank, we have a leadership role to play in advising our corporate clients as they transition to a lower-carbon economy, and we’re committed to working with all stakeholders to help our clients achieve these ambitions.»

The Center, launched by RMI in July 2020, works to enable financial institutions, corporates, and experts to overcome practical obstacles to climate alignment. Collaborating closely with its Partners, the Center works across industries to shape sectoral climate alignment initiatives for high-emitting industries and contributes to the development of global solutions, practices, and frameworks as finance increasingly plays an important role in decarbonization of the global economy and driving a just transition.

«We are delighted to welcome CIBC as a Strategic Partner as we look to support the bank’s sustainable finance efforts across Canada, the US and beyond,» said Paul Bodnar, chief strategy officer at RMI and the Center’s chair. «This represents a major advance for climate alignment in North America. Only collective action by financial institutions, in concert with their clients, can drive progress fast enough towards a net-zero emissions global economy.»

CIBC is committed to the development and implementation of new and innovative solutions for clients as they further their commitment to sustainability. In December 2020, CIBC received a score of A- from the CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project), demonstrating the bank’s progress in environmental performance and reporting. As part of CIBC’s commitment to support environmental sustainability initiatives, the bank’s actions include:

In 2020, issued a USD $500 million, five-year green bond to help finance new and existing green projects, assets, and businesses that mitigate the risks and effects of climate change. These include renewable energy, green buildings, clean transportation, natural resource conservation, biodiversity conservation, energy efficiency, and pollution prevention and control.
In 2019, announced a target of mobilizing $150 billion in environmental and sustainable finance activities by 2027.
In 2019, issued the climate-related disclosure report «Building a Sustainable Future,» aligned with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures.
In 2019, set new targets to source 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources and become carbon neutral by 2024.

More on CIBC’s environmental initiatives and performance can be found on CIBC’s Environmental Sustainability website and in the bank’s CDP Climate Change 2020 questionnaire response.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 10 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc/media-centre.html.

About the Center

The Center for Climate-Aligned Finance (the Center) was established by RMI in July 2020 to help shape the financial industry’s role in facilitating the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy and society. Building on RMI’s nearly 40 years of experience developing market-based solutions to accelerating the energy transition, the Center serve as an «engine room» for the financial sector to partner with corporate clients to identify practical solutions through deep partnerships with industry, civil society and policymakers to facilitate a transition in the global economy to net-zero emissions by mid-century.

About RMI

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.

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SOURCE CIBC

Sunshine Renewable Solutions opens new North Houston office

HOUSTON, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sunshine Renewable Solutions hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony, organized by the North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce, at their new offices in Houston, Texas. While Sunshine has been in business since 2017, this event was a significant moment for the family-run operation.

Jeff Shed, the owner and CEO, founded Sunshine Renewable Solutions in Houston…

Jeff Shed, the owner and CEO, founded Sunshine Renewable Solutions in Houston after gaining experience as a solar installer on the operations side for established companies. He quickly noticed a need for a completely customer-centric solar company in Houston and decided to fill that gap. Using his experience, personal network and his father’s business savvy, Sunshine Renewable Solutions was born.

Four years of steady growth across Texas and a trail of happy customers has led to the first of many milestones Sunshine aims to accomplish over the next 10 years and beyond. They have always been in it for the long-haul, which is why they have focused on scaling at a responsible pace and making sure service is excellent from start to finish.

Sunshine is excited to become an active part of the North Channel Area Chamber and to continue getting to know their community. They welcome all to give them a call to simply learn more about solar or get a complimentary custom quote.

Media Contact

Jillian Vazquez, Sunshine Renewable Solutions, +1 (832) 794-8669, j.vazquez@sunshinerenewable.com

Twitter, Facebook

SOURCE Sunshine Renewable Solutions

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. anuncia el término de su recapitalización

MIAMI, 18 de febrero de 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (la «Compañía», «nosotros» o «SBS») anunció hoy el término de su proceso de recapitalización y el cierre de su oferta previamente anunciada de títulos sénior asegurados con vencimiento a 2026 (los «Títulos») por un monto total de capital de $310 millones.

<img id="prnejpg3865left" title="Spanish Broadcasting System Inc. logo." border="0"…

La Compañía utilizó los ingresos netos de esta oferta, y el efectivo disponible, para (i) pagar sus títulos sénior asegurados de 12.5 % con vencimiento en 2017; (ii) junto con otras consideraciones, para comprar y/o canjear todas las acciones preferentes canjeables Serie B 10 3/4 % acumuladas (las «Acciones preferentes Serie B»); y (iii) para pagar cargos y gastos asociados.

En relación con el cierre y término de su recapitalización, la compañía resolvió formalmente un litigio relacionado con las acciones preferentes de Serie B que se encontraba pendiente en la Corte de Equidad de Delaware.

«SBS se complace en haber ejecutado este proceso de recapitalización,» afirmó Raúl Alarcón, presidente y director ejecutivo de SBS.

«De cara al futuro, nos encontramos en una posición privilegiada para continuar con la exitosa expansión de nuestra plataforma latina de entretenimiento y de los márgenes operacionales líderes en la industria, los resultados de rating y el crecimiento de la audiencia acumulada de nuestras unidades de negocio experienciales, digitales, de audio y de video. Nuestro compromiso con el mercado hispano sigue presente del mismo modo en que lo ha estado durante casi cuatro décadas: inquebrantable. Seguiremos prestando servicios a los hispanos en toda la nación, así como también a los publicistas que se enfocan en el poder adquisitivo dinámico y en la creciente influencia social, cultural y política de dicho segmento», añadió Alarcón.

Los Títulos y las garantías conexas se ofrecieron en los Estados Unidos para personas razonablemente consideradas como «compradores institucionales calificados» según la Regla 144A de la Ley de Valores de 1933 y sus enmiendas (la «Ley de Valores»), y para personas fuera de los Estados Unidos que cumplan con la Regulación S de la Ley de Valores. Los Títulos y las garantías conexas no han sido registrados bajo la Ley de Valores ni bajo alguna ley estatal de valores y, salvo que se registren, no podrán ofrecerse ni venderse en los Estados Unidos a menos que cumplan con una excepción de los requerimientos de registro de la Ley de Valores u otras leyes estatales de valores aplicables o sean parte de una transacción que no esté sujeta a dichos requerimientos.

Asesores

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP se desempeñó como asesor legal para la Compañía.

RBC Capital Markets, LLC («RBC») fue el asesor financiero de la Compañía. RBC fue representada por Latham & Watkins LLP.

Información importante

Este comunicado de prensa tiene fines informativos exclusivamente, y no es una oferta de venta ni una solicitud de oferta de compra de algún título valor, y no constituirá una oferta, solicitud o venta en ninguna jurisdicción en la que dicha oferta, solicitud o venta sea ilegal. Este comunicado de prensa no constituye una notificación de canje para las acciones preferentes Serie B, y no es una oferta de compra o solicitud de venta de las acciones preferentes Serie B.

Acerca de Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS) es propietaria y operadora de estaciones de radio situadas en los principales mercados hispanos estadounidenses de Nueva York, Los Ángeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco y Puerto Rico, y transmite los géneros tropical, mexicano regional, adulto contemporáneo en español, Top 40 y urbano. SBS opera también AIRE Radio Networks, una plataforma de radio nacional de más de 290 estaciones afiliadas que llegan al 95 % de la audiencia hispana de los Estados Unidos. SBS también es propietaria de MegaTV, una operación de red de televisión con distribución en señal abierta, cable y satélite, y varias afiliadas en los Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. SBS produce además eventos y conciertos en vivo en todo el país, y posee múltiples propiedades digitales incluyendo LaMusica, una aplicación móvil que ofrece contenidos de audio y video de enfoque latino, y HitzMaker, un espacio de nuevos talentos para aspirantes a artistas. Para obtener más información, visítenos en línea en www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

Declaraciones prospectivas

Este comunicado de prensa contiene declaraciones prospectivas que implican riesgos e incertidumbres. En algunos casos, puede identificar las declaraciones prospectivas por las palabras «anticipar», «creer», «continuar», «podría», «estimar», «esperar», «pretender», «puede», «podría», «objetivo», «continuo», «planificar», «predecir», «proyectar», «potencial», «debería», «será» o «sería» y/o los negativos de estos términos, u otra terminología comparable destinada a identificar declaraciones sobre el futuro. Estos aparecen en este comunicado de prensa e incluyen declaraciones sobre nuestras intenciones, creencias o expectativas actuales. Estas declaraciones, por su naturaleza, implican riesgos e incertidumbres sustanciales, algunos de los cuales están fuera de nuestro control, y los resultados reales pueden diferir significativamente dependiendo de una variedad de factores importantes, incluidos, entre otros, nuestro endeudamiento sustancial y alto apalancamiento, nuestra industria altamente competitiva, nuestra respuesta continua a la pandemia de COVID-19, nuestra dependencia de los ingresos y los ingresos operativos de un número limitado de mercados, la imprevisibilidad de las ventas en la industria de la publicidad, nuestra capacidad para atraer oyentes, espectadores y anunciantes a nuestras operaciones de radio y televisión, la popularidad y atractivo de nuestro contenido, nuestra capacidad para mantener y renovar acuerdos de distribución, el impacto de reformas fiscales y cualquier nueva legislación fiscal, nuestra capacidad para responder a los rápidos cambios en la tecnología, la creación de contenido, los servicios y los estándares, nuestra capacidad para proteger nuestro negocio de los riesgos de ciberseguridad, el desempeño de los empleados clave, el talento al aire y los anfitriones de programas, el daño a la reputación de nuestras marcas y procedimientos legales o gubernamentales, y el cumplimiento normativo y legislativo, incluido el cumplimiento con la Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones. Todas las declaraciones prospectivas hechas en este documento están sujetas a estas declaraciones precautorias y factores de riesgo, y no puede haber garantía de que los resultados, eventos o desarrollos reales a los que se hace referencia aquí ocurran o se concreten. No tenemos obligación alguna de actualizar públicamente declaraciones prospectivas para reflejar eventos o circunstancias posteriores.

Contactos:
Analistas e inversionistas
José I. Molina
Director financiero
(305) 441-6901

Logotipo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/460768/spanish_broadcasting_system_inc__logo.jpg

FUENTE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Unicore Announces Entry Into Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Market – Launches U.S. Based VPP and Secures Significant Foundational Investment With ‘America Energy’

NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Unicore Investment (Unicore – https://unicorecap.com/) recently announced that it had entered into the VPP market through an Austin-based subsidiary, America Energy. Both America Energy and Unicore will work in cooperation with utility companies in the region, adding resiliency to the whole, while also placing the VPP as part of Unicore’s unique energy and real estate investment portfolio. VPPs are a new but rapidly growing concept related to the centralized cloud-based distribution of clean, renewable power from a collection of disparate sources – distributed energy resources (DER) – that can include wind farms, solar parks, and combined-heat-and-power plants, among others. Unicore Investment is well placed to help this new concept take hold in the U.S., having established this initial investment while simultaneously positioning itself to become a future VPP financier in Africa and the developing world.

«VPP is already a growing industry in Europe (e.g. Scotland and Germany), and it represents the future of clean power generation and distribution,» said Unicore Founder, Herve Ime. «In addition to big providers, VPPs allow private individuals to enter the network with local renewable sources of energy (home-based solar, batteries, etc.) to become part of a growing chain of stable, decentralized energy solutions. This has all sorts of practical applications that we’re just now beginning to explore for both cities and rural areas – from the ability to efficiently shift energy to places that need it most, based on peak times, to almost eliminating power-outage emergencies altogether. And that’s not just a pipedream. When a region’s energy comes from a collective VPP, rather than the traditional, outdated model of a single-plant power source, residential areas and businesses are no longer completely reliant upon the security and integrity of that one plant. Power can come from anywhere, allowing accidents and outages to be far more easily mitigated. VPPs are also a major source of untapped investor potential – since they can be traded on the energy market. Now is the time to begin investing in this industry. It’s not just energy-market speculation any longer – VPPs are a reality.»

For more information on VPPs or other Unicore investments, visit them online.

About Unicore Investment: A Global Investment Firm

Unicore Investment has a focused portfolio of residential and commercial real estate ventures, renewable energy, infrastructure, and blockchain technology. With its recent entry into the global VPP market, the company’s geographic and financial reach continues to grow through strategic and secure partnerships in both the U.S. and the developing world – providing one-of-a-kind investment opportunities for its clients. Learn more at: www.UnicoreCap.com.

Media Contact:

Rose Rodriguez
Communication Director
Unicore Investment
290343@email4pr.com

Global office: 1-(855)-629-3888
290343@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Unicore Investment

Innovative Quidnet Energy Storage Technology Specifically Designed to Prevent Texas-Type Grid Failures

HOUSTON, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Quidnet Energy today said that on its current development trajectory, its low cost, modular, long duration energy storage technology could be installed across the Texas system in as few as three-five years to prevent failures such as witnessed the third week of February when a polar vortex froze the grid. The company is already developing two projects in the Lone Star State as well as in <span…

Quidnet’s Geomechanical Pumped Storage (GPS) technology stores excess power when electricity demand is low and saves it to be released to the grid over long periods of time when generators can’t keep up with demand such as this week in Texas.

Quidnet was launched in 2016 and is rapidly scaling to deploy this storage technology. It is being widely embraced for its potential as a game changer for maintaining electric reliability in the new world of variable output renewable energy. The company receives support from the US Department of Energy, New York State Energy Research Development Authority, Evok Innovations, Trafigura and Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures climate change focused fund.

Quidnet pumps water underground and stores it in-between layers of shale. The natural elasticity of the rock performs like a spring and holds the water under pressure until it is needed, at which time it is released through a hydroelectric turbine to produce electricity to send back to the grid.

The system is closed loop and the primary components of the process are water, clay, and natural salts. The entire process is powered by excess grid electricity. Because the majority of the process is subsurface, there is relatively minor land disturbance (well head, pump and generator building, holding pond), allowing farmers and landowners to generate significant new lease revenue with minor impact.

Quidnet utilizes many of the same subsurface knowledge, workforce, and supply chains as the O&G industry, making it a perfect opportunity to re-channel thousands of displaced workers—and the supply chains they operate–toward accelerating a green energy future. Early resource investigations project sufficient North American shale resources to provide 2-4 times the long duration energy storage needed by the grid at less than half the projected cost of Li-ion batteries and other leading solutions.

«The very talented, dedicated and rapidly-growing Quidnet team is hyper-focused on the imperative to ensure a reliable energy transition,» said Joe Zhou, Quidnet CEO. «We are committed to being a major part of the solution.»

To view the 60 Minutes, Forbes and USA Today clips and learn more about Quidnet, please visit www.quidnetenergy.com.

About Quidnet Energy – Based in Houston, Texas with offices in San Francisco and Saratoga Springs, Quidnet’s patented GPS technology utilizes excess renewable energy to store water beneath ground under pressure. When renewable energy is not producing this pressurized water drives hydroelectric turbines producing electricity to support the grid at a fraction of the cost of Li-ion and for much longer duration. Quidnet’s technology is an adaptation of centuries-old gravity-powered «pumped storage,» but without the massive land requirements and reliance on elevated terrain. Please visit www.quidnetenergy.com

Contact:
Steve Sullivan
518-441-7272
sullivan@quidnetenergy.com

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SOURCE Quidnet Energy

WATT Fuel Cell and Peoples Natural Gas Achieve New Milestone For In-Home, Clean Electricity Generation System

MOUNT PLEASANT, Pa., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — WATT Fuel Cell («WATT»), a leading developer and manufacturer of small-scale solid oxide fuel cell stacks and systems, has achieved its latest breakthrough in clean power generation with the successful development of its Imperium™ 1.5kW hybrid fuel cell system for residential use.

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The new and advanced hybrid fuel cell system, developed as part of WATT’s collaboration with Peoples Natural Gas, the natural gas brand of Essential Utilities, («Peoples») cleanly and efficiently converts natural gas to electricity through an electrochemical reaction, turning a home into a clean power micro-grid. Imperium™ works in concert with power from the grid and can be integrated with solar generation and battery storage, creating a hybrid system that flexes to the needs of the customer and the grid. It’s a cost-effective, clean technology that’s destined to be a major contributor to successfully evolving our power generation systems while providing for critical power needs at home when service disruptions occur.

«Energy systems are being advanced, and decentralized, to help align our most important environmental and economic needs,» said Caine Finnerty, President and COO of WATT. «This is a breakthrough for our fuel cell technology, to combine it with other power generation sources and solutions in a hybrid system. Imperium™ eliminates traditional combustion-based energy production, and therefore reduces emissions, and delivers affordable power right in your home.» Finnerty said one of Imperium™‘s primary benefits is the ability to «load follow» – it cycles on and off to manage its own power generation with energy storage, renewable solar power and power from the grid. «It’s a creatively engineered, intelligent integration of multiple technologies to provide a clean, economical and holistic solution. When it’s sunny, use solar, and store some of the excess power for a rainy day. But when you have multiple rainy days in a row, the fuel cell will take care of your energy needs.»

Finnerty pointed to WATT’s vertically integrated core technology as a significant advantage for the company. It has enabled rapid development of a new cell technology to increase system efficiency and drive to a commercially viable price point. «WATT’s philosophy is if you don’t control the core technology then it’s very difficult to adapt and innovate to keep up with a continuously evolving energy market.»

WATT has tested two configurations of its new hybrid platform:

the first is based on a readily available and proven standalone inverter, solar maximum power point tracker («MPPT») and energy storage.
the second uses «off the shelf» solar microinverters to directly convert the raw dc power from the fuel cell to a 240V AC grid feed.

WATT and Peoples are now focused on piloting and commercializing the fuel cell systems.

«At Peoples, we’re focused on providing outstanding service for our customers today, and we also look forward to new, cleaner technologies and solutions,» said Jeff Nehr, Peoples Vice President, Business Development. «Our partnership with WATT and the successful production of the first hybrid residential fuel cell system marks a key milestone on our journey to a cleaner energy future that’s also affordable for our customers. We look forward to piloting Imperium™ systems in homes in 2021.»

Following the field pilots, WATT will certify and commercially launch the systems. «WATT’s focus going forward is on commercializing the systems and scaling operations to support Peoples and the broader residential market,» noted Rich Romer, CEO of WATT.

For questions or more information about WATT, please visit www.wattfuelcell.com.

About WATT Fuel Cell Corporation
WATT Fuel Cell Corporation (www.wattfuelcell.com) is a manufacturer and developer of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell («SOFC») stacks and systems that operate on common, readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas. WATT’s proprietary, patented additive manufacturing process (AMP) has allowed them to produce commercially viable SOFC products for small scale and remote power applications. WATT’s Hybrid Power Management system works in tandem with renewable power sources (Solar & Wind) and energy storage to provide quiet, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions, prioritizing a return on investment for customers across the globe.

About Peoples Gas
Peoples Gas is an energy solutions provider serving approximately 740,000 homes and businesses in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The company’s mission is to improve the lives of its customers and to help build long-term economic growth for the regions it serves. For more information about Peoples, visit www.peoples-gas.com and follow Peoples on social media @peoplesnatgas.

Media Contact:
Sarah DeWald
724-547-9170
sarah@wattfc.com

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SOURCE WATT Fuel Cell Corporation

BAT accelerates its enterprise transformation towards A Better Tomorrow™

LONDON, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Speaking today at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference, BAT’s Chief Executive, Jack Bowles, shared his growth plans and ambitions for the next phase in the company’s transformation.

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With strong New Category momentum and a clear pathway to their 2025 profitability, Bowles called 2021 a «pivotal year» for BAT, announcing an ambitious programme called QUEST to accelerate the company’s transformation to create the ‘Enterprise of the Future’.

Focusing on five strategic business areas – Quantum*, Unleashing innovation, Empowering the Organisation, Shaping Sustainability and Technology & Digital – QUEST will propel BAT’s continued evolution of its portfolio, structure, culture and ways of working.

BAT’s transformation is underpinned by its purpose: building A Better Tomorrow™ by reducing the health impact of its business. Central to its strategy is the company’s brands and portfolio of the future of reduced risk** products that target distinct areas beyond combustibles. These include vapour, tobacco heating products and modern oral products. BAT also offers products that go beyond nicotine, following the January launch of its new CBD vaping line, in a test market in Manchester.

In December 2020, BAT announced it had progressed its COVID-19 vaccine candidate into human trials – a significant milestone that further demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and science.

BAT has 13.5 million consumers of its non-combustible products, a growth of 3m in 2020. As BAT works towards its aim of achieving 50 million consumers of non-combustible products by 2030, the company will continue to target its offering in high growth future areas, including the beyond nicotine ‘on-the-go wellbeing and stimulation’ space.

Jack Bowles, Chief Executive at BAT, comments: «We are at a key moment in our transformation. We are accelerating our transformation towards A Better Tomorrow and committed to building The Enterprise of the Future.

«We have made great progress. We have invested in strong foundations for the future. We are building and driving new capabilities, with a clear focus on digital, and the sharpening of our science and innovation pipeline. And we have done this while consistently delivering financial returns.

«Our strategy, growth and investment priorities are building BAT into a sustainable, leading consumer-centric multi-category consumer products company of the future. Our transformation is moving us from a company that is known for tobacco, to one that is focused on technology and innovation.

«Our clear roadmap for the future is leveraging our strengths, new capabilities, innovation portfolio and brands with purpose to build A Better Tomorrow.»

* Quantum is BAT’s programme to drive simplification and efficiencies.
** Based on the weight of evidence and assuming a complete switch from cigarette smoking. These products are not risk free and are addictive.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The presentation slides and a transcript of the webcast will be available for download following the presentation from http://www.bat.com/investorspresentations .

About BAT

BAT is a leading, multi-category consumer products company, established in 1902. BAT’s purpose is to build A Better Tomorrow™ by reducing the health impact of its business, which entails:

Committing to providing adult consumers with a wide range of enjoyable and less risky products
Continuing to be clear that combustible cigarettes pose serious health risks, and the only way to avoid these risks is not to start or to quit
Encouraging those who otherwise continue to smoke, to switch completely to scientifically-substantiated, reduced-risk alternatives
Tracking and sharing progress of our transformation

BAT aims to increase the number of its non-combustible product consumers to 50 million by 2030; and to achieve at least £5 billion in New Categories revenues by 2025.

Forward looking statements

This communication contains certain forward-looking statements, including «forward-looking» statements made within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as «believe,» «anticipate,» «could,» «may,» «would,» «should,» «intend,» «plan,» «potential,» «predict,» «will,» «expect,» «estimate,» «project,» «positioned,» «strategy,» «outlook», «target» and similar expressions. These include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, amongst other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the economic and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries and markets in which the British American Tobacco Group (the «Group») operates, including the projected future financial and operating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. It is believed that the expectations reflected in this communication are reasonable but they may be affected by a wide range of variables that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.

Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are uncertainties related to the following: [the impact of competition from illicit trade; the impact of adverse domestic or international legislation and regulation; the inability to develop, commercialise and deliver the Group’s New Categories strategy; the impact of market size reduction and consumer down-trading; adverse litigation and dispute outcomes and the effect of such outcomes on the Group’s financial condition; the impact of significant increases or structural changes in tobacco, nicotine and New Categories related taxes; translational and transactional foreign exchange rate exposure; changes or differences in domestic or international economic or political conditions; the ability to maintain credit ratings and to fund the business under the current capital structure; the impact of serious injury, illness or death in the workplace; adverse decisions by domestic or international regulatory bodies; and changes in the market position, businesses, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Group.

Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this communication and BAT undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

No statement in this communication is intended to be a profit forecast and no statement in this communication should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (the «Company») for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of the Company.

Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in BAT’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission («SEC»), including the Annual Report on Form 20-F and Current Reports on Form 6-K, which may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov.

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SOURCE BAT

FARE Unveils Blueprint to Address Racial Inequity in Food Allergy

MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — FARE, the world’s leading non-governmental organization engaged in food allergy advocacy and the largest private funder of food allergy research, today released «Equity Equals Excellence – A Blueprint for Access,» which is designed to address systemic racial and economic inequity in patient care for diseases like food allergy by expanding access to treatment, research and trusted information in underrepresented communities.

«We must and we will step up our efforts to serve Black, Latino and Indigenous communities that suffer with these life-threatening food allergies,» said Lisa Gable, Chief Executive Officer of FARE. «While we’ve certainly made progress in recent years prioritizing DEIA, this new Blueprint provides a clear pathway on critical next steps and the investment needed to ensure that all communities are represented equitably and that their needs are fulfilled.»

The Blueprint is the culmination of FARE’s Roundtable Series on DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access), which brought together leaders in food allergy and DEIA authorities in other disease areas and fields for in-depth discussions to identify obstacles to high-quality care and to find equitable solutions. Each of the group discussions was facilitated by Dr. Debra Joy Pérez, an expert in advancing organizational equity, inclusion and diversity. Chairing the distinguished group were: Dr. Milton Brown, Professor of Practice and Director of the Center for Drug Discovery for Rare Diseases at George Mason University, and a member of FARE’s Board of Directors; Dr. Kaye Cole, founder of The Cole Group and a member of FARE’s Board of National Ambassadors; and Michael Frazier, an equity and access advocate, and Vice President and Deputy Director for External Affairs at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and a member of FARE’s Board of National Ambassadors.

Racial inequality has long existed in healthcare, and food allergy is no exception. Underrepresented and under-resourced communities experience significant health disparities relating to food allergy prevalence, diagnosis and treatment. In food allergy, research has shown that Black children are more likely to develop the disease than white children but are less likely to have access to an allergist or to epinephrine, the only effective medication that can halt severe symptoms during an allergic reaction. Further, children covered by Medicaid are much less likely to receive a doctor’s diagnosis of food allergy than other children in the U.S. overall.

The Blueprint encourages FARE and other patient advocacy organizations to expand DEIA initiatives to better serve individuals and families who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as all individuals and families with lower incomes by ensuring that underrepresented and under-resourced communities have seats at the table and that their needs are met.

«Historically marginalized communities in this country have long been unfairly denied access to their basic privileges and human rights,» said Dr. Cole. «Our goal here is to embrace and empower these communities with safe, brave spaces for accessing the resources that can enhance their quality of life as they cope with these allergies.»

In addition, the Blueprint lays out a variety of important steps, including strengthening patient advocacy, broadening community engagement, and building a much-needed diverse leadership pipeline in the healthcare field. The document also provides for a path to create legislation that expands access to affordable, life-saving allergy testing.

«These oppressed communities deserve stronger advocates and allies to address the inequities in patient care,» said Frazier. «We build advocacy in part through open, honest and sometimes difficult conversations about the lack of fair access and inclusivity in food allergy treatment, inspiring change. There is no cure for food allergies, but the Blueprint is a remedy for increasing equitable access to care and improving our overall healthcare system.»

Further, the Blueprint stresses the importance of building trust with Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations, whose trust has been eroded by a long history of harmful and unethical medical practices. This can be accomplished, among other ways, through candid conversations about the harmful impact of the disease and the potential beneficial impacts of the community’s participation in research, as well as any known risks.

«Gaining the trust of Black and Latino communities is one of the biggest obstacles we face,» said Dr. Brown. «For centuries, these communities have been mistreated and misled and, as such, they are very cautious and often refuse outside help. But I’m confident with truth and engagement we can overcome this.»

«The challenge before us is clear,» said Anita Roach, MS, Vice President of Health Innovation Strategies at FARE, who collaborated closely with Roundtable participants on behalf of FARE. «Using this Blueprint as our guide, we will work hand-in-hand with communities to ensure that every person regardless of color or economic status has the same opportunities to receive evidence-based health information delivered by trusted messengers and to engage in inclusive research studies that ensure no one is left out of future treatments, cures or prevention strategies for life-threatening diseases like food allergy.»

Putting the Blueprint recommendations into practice, FARE earlier this month launched a key equity initiative in Newark, N.J. FARE is partnering with the South Ward Promise Neighborhood to gather input from community members managing food allergies and to identify local priorities for food allergy awareness, training and support programs in this underserved area. Building on grassroots involvement and feedback, FARE will establish a self-sustaining framework for food allergy support and advocacy in the South Ward that can serve as a model for expanding food allergy services in other cities across the country.

About FARE
FARE is the world’s leading non-governmental organization engaged in food allergy advocacy and the largest private funder of food allergy research. Our mission is to improve the quality of life and health of the 85 million Americans with food allergies or food intolerances and their families, and to provide them hope through the promise of new treatments. FARE is transforming the future of food allergy through innovative initiatives that will lead to increased awareness, new and improved treatments and prevention strategies, effective policies and legislation and novel approaches to managing the disease. To learn more, visit our Living Teal™ YouTube channel or www.foodallergy.org.

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SOURCE Food Allergy Research & Education

TIU Canada to Appeal Ruling in Illegal Disconnection Case Against Nikopol Ferroalloy

KYIV, Ukraine, Feb. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Solar energy producer TIU Canada announced their plans to appeal a lower court decision in their case against the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant (NFZ) for illegal disconnection today. This move follows a January 26 decision by the Kyiv Commercial Court to reject the claims of an illegal disconnection despite overwhelming evidence presented by TIU Canada’s legal team. TIU Canada President Michael Yurkovich stated «Ukrainians and foreign investors alike are tired of oligarchy and injustice. Ukraine is on the wrong track. The Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Ukrainian people will never bear fruit unless the administration takes to heart real judicial reform and complete de-oligarization of the economy and government. Efforts to date are piecemeal and futile against entrenched interests which regularly degrade the effectiveness of Ukraine’s institutions – whether judicial or bureaucratic. We will continue to challenge these unfair outcomes and thank our international and Canadian interlocutors for their support.»

A number of respected business associations and former diplomats commented on the case. Roman Washcuk who served as Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine (2014-2019) said, «As the diplomat who cut the ribbon at the opening of this facility, it is extremely disappointing to see the power plant cut off from the grid, in a further deterioration of the investment climate. It is also in stark contrast to the promises made by Ukraine’s President to investors during the Ukraine Reform Conference held in Toronto in 2019. It is clear Ukraine cannot succeed without rule of law ensuring a level playing-field for foreign investors, including protection against oligarchic abuse.«

Sviatoslav Kavetskyi, Executive Director of the Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce (CUCC) stated, «Attracting high quality investment to Ukraine cannot occur without adequate investor rights, judicial reform, and a level playing field. TIU Canada is one of the larger Canadian investors in Ukraine. It’s experience thus far, despite assurances at the highest levels, hinders investor confidence. We are deeply concerned and watching this case carefully.»

Meanwhile Morgan Williams, President of the US – Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) added, «TIU Canada was one of the first North American private investors in green energy in Ukraine. The present court case is a real test of whether or not a major international investor can obtain a fair trial within the current judicial system in Ukraine. As everyone has known for a long time, Ukraine faces two main threats: Russia and internal corruption. TIU Canada invested heavily in Ukraine to build solar energy plants and help the country reduce its energy dependence on the aggressor state, Russia. Ironically now, after helping Ukraine to overcome one problem, TIU Canada is an unfortunate victim of Ukraine’s internal problem of corruption and the lack of political will on the part of the Government of Ukraine to take major steps to significantly reduce the massive levels of corruption instigated by a large number of powerful, well-financed, politically and legally connected, monopolistic corporations. The U.S.- Ukraine Business Council, calls on the Ukrainian government, the international community, and Ukraine’s judicial system to ensure a fair trial in this case involving TIU Canada and Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant. International investment flows into countries where businesses can operate under the rule of law, and USUBC knows many international investors are watching this legal case very closely.»

The 10.5 MW solar station was disconnected from the electricity grid by NFZ on March 2, 2020, despite the fact that Ukrainian law prevents electricity producers from being disconnected from the energy grid without obtaining the range of all the necessary permissions. TIU Canada is seeking an immediate reconnection to the electricity grid and plans to hold the NFZ and its shareholders fully accountable under the law. The main shareholders of the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant are Igor Kolomoyskyi, Gennadiy Bogolyubov, and Viktor Pinchuk.

The Nikopol solar station owned by TIU Canada is on land leased long term from the city of Nikopol. The solar plant connects to a substation on the grounds of the NFZ. On December 23, 2019, TIU Canada received a letter from the General Director of the NFZ, that they would be disconnecting the TIU Canada connection to grids via the substation on the grounds of the NFZ in order to make ‘repairs.’ The NFZ stated that they would begin the repairs after February 29, 2020, and TIU Canada immediately contacted the NFZ to seek solutions to avoid any disconnection. However, despite multiple discussions, the NFZ management and shareholders proceeded with disconnecting TIU Canada from the substation on the morning of March 2, 2020. This illegal disconnection has caused more than 1.5 million Euros of damage to TIU Canada already and increases daily.

The case is viewed as a test of the Zelensky’s administration’s commitment to protecting foreign investors. It should be noted that on July 3, 2019, while speaking to the Economic Club of Canada, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the work of TIU Canada at the Toronto Ukraine Reforms Conference. He said, «We think about the future, that is why green energy will be one of the key sectors of our economy during the upcoming years. I know that we have here Canadian company TIU that already successfully works in this area. We are grateful to them for this – please, follow their example».

Unfortunately, this court ruling is just the latest in a series of setbacks for foreign investors in Ukraine. Last year Ukraine received only $200 million in foreign direct investment due to the lack of rule of law, widespread corruption, and the Covid pandemic. The corruption situation was exacerbated last year due to a kangaroo court ruling by Ukraine’s Constitutional Court which cancelled the disclosure requirements for public officials.

TIU Canada is owned by the Calgary based Refraction Asset Management, has been working in Ukraine since 2016, and is a leading solar energy producer. The company commissioned a 10 ½ megawatt solar energy plant in Nikopol, Ukraine, in January 2018, and an 11-megawatt solar station in the Mykolayiv region in April 2019. An additional 33 megawatts of solar electricity production have been commissioned in the Odesa region, for a total of 56.4 megawatts nationwide. TIU Canada has invested more than $65 million in Ukrainian solar energy over the last four years and was the first investor in Ukraine under the Canadian Ukrainian Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA).

TIU Canada directly and through its subcontractors employs more than 30 people in Ukraine whose jobs are now threatened by this illegal disconnection.

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SOURCE TIU Canada

Autor venredPublicado el 18 febrero, 2021Categorías Geovanny Vicente

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