ReportWire

Tag: sustainability

  • Circular Economy Gardening: How to Close the Loop in Your Landscape

    [ad_1]

    4. Keep deadwood standing.

    Above: A simple habitat pile tucked away in the meadow at Chanticleer. Horticulturalist Chris Fehlhaber built the stack around a center post. As the stack settles, gaps form around the post. “Bumblebees use this gap to gain access to the interior of the stack, which is likely relatively well-sheltered and dry, to make their nests,” he says. Photograph by Melissa Ozawa, from Habitat Piles: Turning Garden Debris Into Shelter and Sculpture.

    Whether you call them snags or tree sculptures, dead trees are crucial to the ecosystem. According to the National Wildlife Federation, they provide habitat for a thousand species of wildlife in the U.S., including woodpeckers, bats, and squirrels. As the tree decays, insects, fungi, lichen, and moss move in, offering a feast for wildlife. As Smithsonian magazine reports, “Estimates suggest that one third of insect species in a forest rely on deadwood in some way—and these insects are food for other invertebrates, as well as birds and bats.”  

    Wood “pavers” on Edwina von Gal’s property. She digs about three to four inches deep, embeds the tree slice into the ground, and then fills in the area around them.  Photograph by Melissa Ozawa.
    Above: Wood “pavers” on Edwina von Gal’s property. She digs about three to four inches deep, embeds the tree slice into the ground, and then fills in the area around them.  Photograph by Melissa Ozawa.

    If you’re concerned about safety, remove any branches that pose a risk. Cut up logs and stack them into wood piles. Or slice 3- to 4-inch-thick rounds to create “tree cookies” to form into pathways, like von Gal does on her property. Tree cookies are especially good in high traffic areas or in places that have struggled to sustain grass or moss.  

    For smaller branches and other plant debris, craft habitat stacks or weave “dead hedges” out of branches. These areas offer shelter for small birds and other critters, protecting them from predators like hawks. (To see more examples of habitat stacks, read our story).  

    5. Make compost.

    Above: Need a tutorial on all the different types of composters on the market? See Backyard Composters, Explained: The Good, the Hot, and the Wormy.

    In a designated bin or a pile in your yard, add a mix of green materials (vegetable scraps and fresh garden cuttings) and brown matter (dried leaves, twigs, wood chips, and leftover soil). Each time you add green material to your compost heap, throw in some brown material to keep the pile fresh. If it starts to smell bad, add more “brown” bits. Turn the pile to speed up the process or simply let it be, to decompose gradually. You’ll know your compost is ready when it looks dark and crumbly.  

     See also:

    (Visited 15 times, 15 visits today)

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Rethinking Mulch: Why You Shouldn’t (And Don’t Have to) Use Mulch in Your Garden

    [ad_1]

    Ludden also recommends mulching when planting a shrub border. “I would put shredded bark mulch down because it keeps moisture in the soil and prevents weeds, and it looks neat and tidy,” she says, noting that  the shrubs don’t propagate themselves the way perennials do, so you’re not preventing growth. Mulching around trees and shrubs also reduces the likelihood that someone will run a lawnmower over their roots, but even better would be to plant a soft landing.

    If mulching woody plants or trees, use arborists wood chips and be sure not to let the mulch cover any of the bark: The root flare at the base of the trees should always remain exposed. If you have existing mulch volcanoes, remove them (arborist Basil Camu of Leaf & Limb explains how in this video).

    Vegetable gardeners may also want to mulch, says Ludden, especially if it’s something that you can till into the soil along with whatever is left of the plants at the end of the season.

    Finally, McMackin says you can use mulch when you want to shift the soil composition. For example, if the soil is too basic, you might add pine mulch. “The change is not very serious, but it will start those processes,” explains McMackin, who says to think of mulch as an amendment you’re applying to the top, with the understanding that it’s going to be integrated and building soil in the future. 

    What are alternatives to mulching?

    Above: Denser planting means fewer weeds. Photograph by Neil Landino, courtesy of Hollander Design Landscape Architects, from Garden Visit: 10 Lessons from a Coastal Landscape Designed for Deer Resistance.

    If you’re worried about weeds, plant more densely. Instead of maintaining a sea of mulch with plants in it, position the plants more closely together and let them naturally grow towards each other. For anyone worried about maintaining air flow, McMackin says, “That just wouldn’t happen in the natural world.” She notes that what is more important is to maintain healthy soil. In Garden Revolution, Weaner and Christopher note that you should also think about varied below-ground growth habits to inhibit weeds. And yes, you may have some weeds. “Weeding and watering are important in the first season or two until the perennials begin to fill in,” notes Ludden. “As plants expand naturally, and even seed themselves into open areas, weeds become less problematic.” (See The Garden Decoder: What Is ‘Cramscaping’? (And Why Is this Trend Here to Stay?)

    You can also plant a “green mulch” or groundcover. Ludden has had success using Canadian wild ginger, ferns, and carexes, including Carex Appalachia and Carex pensylvanica as soft underplantings between larger perennials.

    European meadow sedge (Carex remota) is a durable green mulch. Photograph courtesy of Greenlee and Associates, from The Garden Decoder: What Is Green Mulch?
    Above: European meadow sedge (Carex remota) is a durable green mulch. Photograph courtesy of Greenlee and Associates, from The Garden Decoder: What Is Green Mulch?

    You can also mulch with clippings. McMackin suggests mulching with the plant matter from the previous season, noting, “[Plants] really want to be in a mulch made up of their own leaves and stems.” Diblik describes using a similar method in The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden, noting that, “The litter is in much bigger pieces than if it were mowed, so we cut some of the stems into smaller pieces, so that they’ll fit comfortably around the plants.” He adds, “I must admit, the first time I did this it was difficult not to run for the rake.”

    If you still feel the need to mulch, all the experts recommend swapping bark mulch for a local leaf mulch or compost. Leaf mulch or compost can provide the “neat” look that you may prefer without inhibiting the growth of perennials.

    Another solution is to give your garden beds a mullet. When working in Brooklyn Bridge Park, McMackin and her team used a neat-in-front-wild-in-the-back look, which she calls a “mullet” approach to mulching. “We would rake out leaves in the first foot or two of the garden and then put a clean edge of mulch. Then you can get away with a wilder look in the back, if you do that.” If you can’t see yourself quitting mulch, don’t let it get too deep. McMackin says an inch or an inch and a half is all you should ever need. 

    See also:

    (Visited 112 times, 111 visits today)

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • ‘The Low-Impact Garden’ Sneak Peek: Jack Pizzo’s Prairie Garden in Illinois

    [ad_1]

    For years I have wondered why Europeans find American prairie planting so aspirational, while Americans will go to great lengths to create a semblance of Northern European gardening (often referred to as English) in the US. Can it be as simple as “the grass is always greener”? On researching locations for Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden, I had a call with plantsman Jack Pizzo, who lives on 40 acres of restored wetland prairie, an hour west of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. During that conversation he said that with all the choices we have, human landscaping is chaotic. Restoring an ecosystem, on the other hand, involves following what the natural landscape is telling you. Fewer choices, less need to control, less chaos: I had found the key to the book. My actual visit to Jack’s prairie garden, with the photographer Caitlin Atkinson, was quite a trip.

    Photography by Caitlin Atkinson for Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden.

    Above: Jack Pizzo’s house and textured garden in Illinois, surrounded by the straight lines of neighboring farms.

    Having been briefed to travel all over the States—south, west, and points in between—I found myself thinking about the Alfred Hitchcock film North by Northwest while driving down a long, straight highway, between long, straight lines of beans and corn. A crop duster plane flew toward us as we ducked off into a curved driveway through prairie grassland. Spraying on the neighboring farms takes place on still days, when chemicals will not drift over the boundary and be wasted.

    Above: The curved driveway through a prairie garden surrounded by 38,000 acres of industrial farming.

    A bona fide American prairie, at last. Jack’s academic background is in ecology, and he is actively passionate about planting for birds. He’ll plant an American hazelnut with the hope of attracting the brown thrasher (successful); he creates open spaces and puddles to attract the golden plover. A farm puddle is a “fuddle,” and traditional (pre-industrial) farms would have incorporated more of these relaxed spaces. Jack is re-forging relationships between animals and people, since any prairie, meadow or grassland, is made and maintained by people.

    Above: Jack Pizzo and Jack Pizzo Jr. guiding us through the garden.

    The day of our visit was very hot and humid and I was given some Wellington boots to swoosh through the grassland that surrounds Jack’s house. “You can wander anywhere, there are no paths,” he told us. The plants bounce right back after trampling: “Be like bison; walk side by side.” The ground is damp since this is restored wetland, which was never particularly suitable for straight farming.

    Above: “If you have the plants, you have the bugs; if you have the bugs, you have the birds.”

    Jack’s prairie is simultaneously a garden and a farm. He is a farmer amid other farmers because he grows native plants and distributes their seeds through his land restoration business. He rails at being called a landscaper for the reasons mentioned above: in restoring the land, a natural pattern and logic has been able to emerge, and it’s about habitat. To this end, he has seen 170 bird species in the garden and nine species of amphibians and reptiles. In amongst the 250 native plant species, there are at least five different roses: Carolina, Illinois, swamp, tall pasture, and Arkansas rose. Seven types of milkweed (whirl, common, swamp, butterfly, mountain, green, and green-horned) attract monarch butterflies that rest here in their hordes, en route from Mexico.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Power shift: Should investors pay attention to renewable energy adoption? | Insights | Bloomberg Professional Services

    [ad_1]

    Financial performance and renewable energy adoption

    When renewable energy costs become competitive with or lower than traditional fossil fuel alternatives, transitioning to renewables can directly lead to cost savings and therefore enhance corporate profitability. However, a critical consideration for investors is whether companies adopting renewable energy realize measurable improvements in financial performance, and whether these improvements are reflected in stock valuations.  

    To investigate this, we analyzed companies within the Bloomberg World Large & Mid Cap Index (Bloomberg ticker: “WORLD Index”), a broadly diversified, float market-cap-weighted global equity benchmark index representing approximately 85% of global market capitalization of the measured markets. In aggregate, Bloomberg’s sustainable finance data covers about 97% of the index’s constituents and 99% of its market value as of December 2024. In particular, the analysis employs the Bloomberg field “Percentage of Renewable Energy Consumed” (Field Id: SA011) as the primary determining factor. Companies lacking data on renewable energy consumption were excluded to maintain analysis integrity.  

    Disclosure rates for renewable energy use vary moderately across sectors and geographic markets. Figures 3a and 3b illustrate that most sectors disclose at rates between 50% and 80%, with Consumer Staples (74.5%), Consumer Discretionary (63.0%), and Communications (62.1%) leading. Geographically, developed markets generally exhibit strong disclosure rates, whereas certain emerging markets show significantly lower levels. While these variations introduce variability in data availability, the disclosure patterns do not indicate extreme biases toward specific sectors or regions, thereby providing a reasonably balanced dataset for subsequent analysis.  

    Disclosure Percentages by Top 10 Global Market as of December 31, 2024

    We conducted a sector-neutral analysis by sorting companies with available data on a quarterly basis into quintile portfolios based on renewable energy consumption, employing the following methodology:  

    • Sector-specific stock selection: Within each sector, companies were ranked and assigned to quintiles based on their percentage of renewable energy usage.  
    • Sector weight matching: Portfolios were rebalanced quarterly to match benchmark sector weights, eliminating sector-driven biases.  

    Figures 4a and 4b summarize performance outcomes for equal-weighted and market value-weighted quintile portfolios from February 2017 to May 2025.  

    Equal-weighted Quintile Portfolio Performance, Feb 2017 – May 2025
    Market Value-weighted Quintile Portfolio Performance, Feb 2017 – May 2025

    Key findings

    The analysis reveals a distinct pattern: companies in the highest quintile for renewable energy consumption achieved higher returns and superior Sharpe ratios (which measures risk-adjusted returns) compared to companies in the lowest quintile. Notably, this outcome persists across both equal-weighted and market value-weighted methodologies, indicating that performance differences are not driven purely by company size.  

    However, the observed outperformance did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance. This may be due to the limited historical period and moderate magnitude of the observed differences. Additionally, uneven disclosure rates and resulting data gaps could also have influenced these results.  

    To further investigate whether this observed outperformance can be specifically attributed to renewable energy consumption rather than incidental exposure to other factors, we conducted a return attribution analysis using Bloomberg’s Multi-Asset Class Fundamental risk model (MAC3) for equities. We formed equal-weighted long-short portfolios within the WORLD Index universe, going long the companies in the highest quintile and short those in the lowest quintile based on sector-specific levels of renewable energy consumption.

    Note that this return attribution is based on monthly down-sampled risk exposures from MAC3, which are produced at a daily frequency. As a result, the attribution results shown here are approximations and may not precisely match analyses performed in PORT tool available via the Bloomberg Terminal.  

    A significant portion of the returns from these long-short portfolios could not be explained by conventional factors such as Industry, Country, Currency, or Equity Style (e.g., value, quality), termed the “selection effect”. In our analysis, this effect accounted for 1.0% out of the 2.4% annualized returns of the long-short portfolio, suggesting meaningful financial materiality linked explicitly to the level of renewable energy usage.  

    Equal-Weighted Long-Short Portfolio Active Return Attribution, Feb 2017 – May 2025

    suggest financial benefits linked to greater renewable energy adoption, warranting further examination using extended timeframes and broader datasets for definitive validation. Investors, whether explicitly focused on energy transition or not, may therefore benefit from studying and incorporating this signal into their investment processes.  

    [ad_2]

    Bloomberg

    Source link

  • I’ve not used a tampon in years — here are the period pants I recommend to all my pals

    [ad_1]

    I’m a glass-half-empty kind of gal, and so reading that only 19% of women purchased period pants in the past year left me a little, well, bummed. Why are we so reluctant to try the more sustainable option when it comes to sanitary products?

    Disclaimer: I was a little hesitant at first, too, unsure of how absorbent and odourless they could actually be. However, I am now a convert — and even more so after reading that one tampon may contain the same amount of plastic as five shopping bags. Over a lifetime, that’s the equivalent of 57,000 supermarket shoppers.

    Not entirely sold? “Period pants offer a range of benefits,” shares Susanna Unsworth, an NHS and private doctor specialising in menopause, women’s health and breast cancer. “Environmentally, they are far more sustainable since disposable products contain plastics and contribute significantly to landfill waste. Although the initial cost is higher, period pants are generally more cost-effective in the long run, lasting for years if cared for properly.

    “They also provide longer-lasting protection, so you don’t need to change products as frequently. Once women find the right style and fit, many report that they are more comfortable and less irritating than pads, which can shift, bunch, or feel bulky.”

    So, considering I have seen every cycle as an opportunity to test a variety of period pant styles — from full briefs to bikinis for your heaviest days and even light flow-friendly thongs — I feel qualified to declare which are the best period pants — including the best period pants for teens and period swimwear — for women and those with vulvas in 2025.

    SKIP TO:

    How we test the best period pants:

    At GLAMOUR, it is of utmost importance that we provide our readers with independent, honest and trustworthy reviews. We’re committed to bringing our readers unbiased and accurate information, recommending not only the best period pants overall but also the best for your needs.

    GLAMOUR team members Sophie Cockett and Sophie Donovan – along with others – trialled each pair of bestseller period pants over several months at various points in our cycles. Some have even been tested for well over a year.

    We worked out in them, went to actual work in them, and lounged in them. From midi briefs to thongs, we scored each pair based on functionality and period protection: factors like comfort, absorbency during heavy periods, what they’re made from (organic cotton or elastane for extra sustainability creds), how well they washed, whether they keep that clean feeling and how they felt under normal clothes. We’re confident this edit of the best period pants will serve you. Fill your boots.

    What are period pants?

    “Period pants are just like your day-to-day underwear but with the added benefit of being able to absorb your period blood, so you can be free to get on with your day,” Raut said. Period underwear often has an absorbent, moisture-wicking and odour-eliminating gusset and is available in a plethora of styles to suit your flow. You can bleed freely in them for up to 12 hours, whether you’re going to work, to the gym — or even for a swim, thanks to the development of period swimwear.

    “A common misconception is that period pants leak more easily than pads,” adds Unsworth. “In reality, if you choose the right absorbency for your flow, they are highly reliable, and unlike pads, they don’t slip out of place.

    “Another myth is that they are unhygienic. In fact, the moisture-wicking layers keep skin dry and help prevent irritation, while modern fabrics are breathable and designed to resist bacterial growth. After rinsing in cold water, they can be machine-washed like other clothing, making them both safe and easy to care for.”

    Ahead, the best period pants for women and people who menstruate in 2025:

    [ad_2]

    Sophie Donovan

    Source link

  • New York launches $80M grant program for arts groups | Long Island Business News

    [ad_1]

    THE BLUEPRINT:

    • New York launches $80M grant program for arts organizations

    • Grants support initiatives across the state

    • Focus areas include , and community growth

    • Application deadline is Jan. 13, 2026, via portal

    is investing $80 million through its Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Fund to support arts and .

    This $80 million funding opportunity for organizations across the state builds on the $86 million in capital awards announced by NYSCA earlier this year, including multi-year investments supporting large-scale capital projects that emphasize and placemaking.

    “New York’s thriving cultural sector attracts global visitors, generates economic opportunity and strengthens our incomparable creativity, which makes us a global epicenter for ,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release about the fund.

    “Through this transformative grant program, our world-class organizations will be able to develop innovative and sustainable projects that will serve New York residents and visitors for generations to come,” she added.

    The program is designed to support arts and cultural nonprofits seeking state funding for capital improvements that enhance cultural programming for diverse audiences, promote accessibility and environmental sustainability, preserve and create jobs and drive growth in New York’s arts and tourism sectors.

    “We are deeply grateful to Gov. Hochul for her continued investment in the arts, particularly at a time when cultural funding is being reduced elsewhere,” Lauren Wagner, executive director of , told LIBN.

    “The arts are a powerful catalyst for economic vitality, fueling local economies, strengthening communities and drawing visitors to our region,” Wagner said. “These grants will enable arts and cultural venues to become more accessible and sustainable, enhancing their ability to connect with audiences and serve as essential destinations for residents and visitors alike.”

    Available throughout the state, the fund has three grant categories: Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants, Large Capital Improvement Grants and Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture.

    The Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants offer up to $2 million for construction and equipment projects, prioritizing accessibility, sustainability, artistry and community impact. No-match grants of $10,000–$99,000 are available to organizations with operating budgets under $2 million. Eligible projects align strong design with organizational capacity and community needs to support the future of arts and culture in New York.

    Large Capital Improvement Grants are designed to provide grants ranging from $2 million to $10 million to support major capital projects with a total cost of $4 million or more. Covering up to 50 percent of project costs, these grants fund improvements that expand programming, increase accessibility and reach diverse audiences. Applicants must align with the state’s goals for economic development, social equity and public access.

    The Capital Design Grants aim to support the development of mid-stage and advanced design documents for arts and cultural nonprofits with operating budgets of $10 million or less across the state that are planning eligible capital improvements and are currently in the early stages of design. Grants will range from $50,000 to $500,000, for a maximum of 50 percent of the design phase’s total cost. No-match grants of $10,000 to $99,000 will also be available for organizations with budgets under $2 million.

    The application portal and guidelines for these opportunities are now open, and can be accessed on NYSCA’s website, arts.ny.gov. The deadline to submit completed applications is Jan. 13, 2026.

    NYSCA will offer informational webinars and host virtual office hours to provide one-on-one support. Prospective applicants for the large capital grant program are required to consult with NYSCA Capital Projects staff to ensure their projects align with program priorities before applying. Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in spring 2026.

    “We encourage organizations to attend NYSCA’s upcoming webinar on Sept. 18 to learn more and to see if this funding opportunity is the right fit, and we stand ready to provide guidance as needed,” Wagner said.

     


    [ad_2]

    Adina Genn

    Source link

  • What Is Cramscaping? Everything You Want to Know About the Garden Design Trend

    [ad_1]

    When I put a call out to my garden design friends about the topic of “cramscaping,” I received a lot of replies along the lines of, “I have never heard of cramscaping, but I suspect I do it” or “I had no idea this was a thing, but it’s what I practice on a regular basis.” The concept had recently been covered in The Seattle Times, and I was curious to discover its origins.

    I ultimately found a reference to “cramscaping” in Loree Boh’s book Fearless Gardening: Be Bold, Break the Rules, and Grow What You Love, which was published in 2021. When I called Bohl, who also writes the popular blog Danger Garden, Bohl said she didn’t coin the term, but she recalls the first time she heard a garden style described as “cramscaping.” Bohl was walking the Northwest Flower & Garden Show with a friend, who used the term to describe the display they were looking at. “It instantly just made sense to me,” says Bohl. “It says it all: Lots of plants.” When Bohl asked her friend about the term, she pointed to their mutual friend, plantsman and garden designer Sean Hogan of Cistus Nursery. 

    Next, I reached out to Hogan to see if he knew the term’s provenance. Hogan told me he wasn’t sure if he originated the phrase, but it has been in his personal lexicon since the 1990s. Hogan remembers first using it to describe a container that was planted so densely and with such variety that he likened it to a bouquet. From there, he started using the word to describe landscapes in general. “If you can have a quick phrase or a fun just word to give people a different picture, it allows people to think outside the boxwood, as it were,” he says. 

    So what is cramscaping exactly?

    After years of cramscaping, Bohl now sits in her Portland garden completely surrounded by plants. “It’s a wonderful feeling,” she says. “There are so many more plants I want to grow, I must make space for them and keep experimenting.” Photograph by Loree Bohl.
    Above: After years of cramscaping, Bohl now sits in her Portland garden completely surrounded by plants. “It’s a wonderful feeling,” she says. “There are so many more plants I want to grow, I must make space for them and keep experimenting.” Photograph by Loree Bohl.

    Both Bohl and Hogan define a cramscape as richly layered with a variety of plants and no bare earth visible. The term may be instantly understandable, but Bohl is quick to point out that cramscaping is not simply squeezing as many plants as possible into a landscape. “Cramscaping is done with a little more care and knowledge of eventual plant sizes and plant needs,” she explains, noting that without this foresight, an extra densely planted garden can be “a disaster waiting to happen.”

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • IFRS 9 SPPI test and rising data needs: Sustainability Linked Bonds in focus | Insights | Bloomberg Professional Services

    [ad_1]

    What is the SPPI test under IFRS 9?

    Under IFRS 9, the classification of a financial asset depends on:

    • The business model under which the asset is held, and
    • The contractual cash flow characteristics of the asset—assessed through the SPPI test.

    If the cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding, the asset may qualify for amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) classification. Otherwise, it must be measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL).

    This test ensures that instruments with leverage, equity-like features, or embedded derivatives that alter basic lending characteristics are excluded from amortized cost or FVOCI treatment.

    IFRS 9 amendments impact on the SPPI test and coupon features

    On 30 May 2024, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 following its Post-Implementation Review (PIR) of the classification and measurement requirements. One significant area of clarification was the treatment of financial instruments with coupon adjustment features—a topic that has gained tremendous relevance with the rise of sustainable finance.

    These amendments aim to provide clarity on whether and how coupon adjustment features, such as sustainability-linked interest rates, affect the SPPI assessment. Importantly:

    • The amendments emphasize that contractual terms that vary cash flows based on sustainability targets can still pass the SPPI test—provided they are consistent with a basic lending arrangement.
    • This includes Sustainability-Linked Bonds (SLBs), even though the standard doesn’t explicitly address them by name.

    These changes will become effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026, giving firms little time to adapt their systems and methodologies.

    Data challenge in SPPI testing for sustainability-linked bonds

    While the accounting guidance is now more refined, it introduces an intensified data challenge. In particular, firms must capture detailed contractual terms—often buried in documentation—to determine compliance with the SPPI criteria for a current universe of over 1,100 Sustainability Linked Bonds.

    Consider the bond issued by Wienerberger AG on October 4, 2023 (FIGI BBG01JHDRVZ4). This bond offers a 4.875% coupon and matures on October 4, 2028. It incorporates two Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPI 1 tracks GHG emission scope 1 & 2 intensity, and KPI 2 measures revenue from building products that support net-zero buildings.

    A failure to meet the Sustainability Performance Target (SPT) for KPI 1 will result in a 25 basis point (bps) per annum increase in the coupon, effective October 4, 2027. Similarly, missing SPT 2 will trigger a 50 bps per annum coupon increase on the same date.

    The maximum possible coupon step-up of 75 bps is significant, particularly for a bond with a mid-single-digit coupon. This represents a substantial relative impact of approximately 15.4% (0.75%/4.875%), indicating a material change to the bond’s effective yield, which would likely lead to a failure of the SPPI test.

    In contrast, the Capital Airport Group bond, issued on August 27, 2021 (FIGI BBG012C4X0K3), included a step-up margin of 10 bps on a 3.45% coupon at issuance. This would likely satisfy the SPPI criteria.

    Beyond the initial assessment, a further challenge lies in accurately tracking the observation date and the effective date of any coupon step-up. Once these dates have passed, the securities will meet the SPPI test, as no further step-ups need to be considered.

    How can we help?

    To prepare for the 2026 implementation date, Bloomberg’s Enterprise Data Regulatory team is reviewing its rule engine for SPPI classification of all instruments with non credit step up features. It will also add new fields that aim to quantify the magnitude and materiality of non credit linked coupon step-ups, for example: 

    • Cumulative basis point step-up that would occur if non-credit events are triggered.
    • Cumulative coupon step-up as a percentage of the original coupon.
      Both figures should be viewed in combination with the SPPI test result (IFRS9_SPPI_TEST) and attribute (IFRS9_SPPI_ATTRIBUTE)

    Notably, firms can automate and scale their SPPI determination not only at the time of issuance but also throughout its duration.

    Bloomberg’s Regulatory Data Solutions are available via Data License for scalable enterprise-wide use through Bloomberg’s ready-to-use data website, data.Bloomberg.com and can be delivered via SFTP, REST API or into a cloud environment. 

    To learn more about Bloomberg’s full suite of regulatory data solutions click here.

    [ad_2]

    Bloomberg

    Source link

  • Why Focusing Only on Profit Is Holding Your Business Back | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    You need focus to build a business, but my experience has taught me that there’s also such a thing as being too single-minded.

    Financial, environmental and community goals aren’t competing objectives; they’re interconnected. This is why founders who chase revenue at the expense of value for their customers or broader social impact often experience limited growth.

    This is a bit like buying a gym membership and then letting your diet go because you’re working out. Just like healthy eating habits are part of an effective fitness plan, your mission and values are essential parts of creating a business plan that works.

    So when my brother Todd and I founded Roof Maxx as a cost-effective alternative to roof replacement, it was about more than filling a gap we saw in the market. It was about solving a problem we saw people struggling with and doing it in a way that also helped those people feel like they were changing the world for the better.

    Here’s what we learned.

    Related: 4 Ways to Engage Your Customers in Social Good — And Why It Matters

    Consumers already want to do the right thing; you just have to help them

    Call me naive, but I take a view of the world that most people are basically good — or at least, they want to be.

    They might not always put the right items in the recycling bin, but that’s not because they hate the planet. They’re usually just confused or short on time, because modern life can be hectic and overwhelming.

    That means appealing to guilt is rarely the most effective way to sell someone on a socially responsible product or service. Guilt can be a powerful emotional trigger, but it only works when someone doesn’t want to do something.

    Todd and I saw this a lot in the early days of Roof Maxx. We knew many homeowners already had some idea of how much waste roof replacement produces, so we didn’t harp on it. No one was throwing away their shingles every few years because they genuinely believed it was good for the planet. They were doing it because the rest of the industry had convinced them there was no viable alternative.

    When people already want to make a change but don’t feel like they have the option, guilt just makes them feel worse. In these cases, you need to show them the option exists, then use other strategies to win their business.

    Related: How to Market to the Increasingly Socially Conscious Customer

    Learn to position “doing good” as “getting more”

    Since most people already want to be better citizens, you don’t need to waste time trying to convince them it’s a good idea. Instead, you should spend most of your pitch showing how easy you can make it for them and how they can benefit from taking action.

    The first few times we pitched Roof Maxx to homeowners, I saw how true this was. They listened when we talked about how they could save 3.8 tons of landfill waste on average by rejuvenating their roofs with our treatment instead of replacing them, but that wasn’t really where we won them over. The vast majority came on board when we showed them our solution cost up to 80% less than a full replacement, and that it could be done in a few hours instead of taking days or weeks.

    Those experiences showed me that we didn’t have to make our customers more willing to do good in the world, because most of them already had that motivation. All we had to do was take away the obstacles they felt were standing in their way.

    Social proof is never about you; it’s about your customers

    One of the things that struck me most about the first homeowners to work with us was how proud they were. That pride didn’t just stem from the time and money they had saved. For a lot of them, it also came from feeling like they had made a difference by reducing their carbon footprint. They felt like they had joined a community that was working to improve the world around them.

    It would have been easy to edit the many testimonials we received and trim them down into concise endorsements of our company. Many brands do. But we didn’t, because we knew those testimonials weren’t just about us. They were about the kinds of people who chose us and the values that those people upheld.

    A customer who touts the quality of your product is a good advocate. But a customer who sees your product as a way to help them live a better life is a great one. The more you showcase those people, the better you look by association.

    Related: Here’s Why Values Matter So Much in Business

    People are more loyal to values than they are to brands

    One last piece of advice: Brand loyalty is a fickle thing, but values tend to exist on a deeper level. People change their cell phone plans far more often than they change their core convictions.

    That means a strong mission helps you build long-term loyalty. If you’re really committed to saving money for people, protecting the environment or community building, then you’ll always be appealing to people who value those goals. And if you can somehow find a way to do all three at once, that loyalty becomes much more difficult to lose to a competitor.

    So while it might be tempting to focus on raw profit when you’re starting out, don’t be fooled. Your mission isn’t there to distract from your margins; it’s there to set your brand apart and attract customers who already want to be on board. From there, it’s just a matter of showing them how easy it is to get involved.

    You need focus to build a business, but my experience has taught me that there’s also such a thing as being too single-minded.

    Financial, environmental and community goals aren’t competing objectives; they’re interconnected. This is why founders who chase revenue at the expense of value for their customers or broader social impact often experience limited growth.

    This is a bit like buying a gym membership and then letting your diet go because you’re working out. Just like healthy eating habits are part of an effective fitness plan, your mission and values are essential parts of creating a business plan that works.

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

    [ad_2]

    Mike Feazel

    Source link

  • I Risked Everything to Build My Company. Four Years Later, Here’s What I’ve Learned About Building Real, Lasting Success | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    When I first moved to the United States, my goal was simple: survive. I had no connections, little understanding of the system, and a burning desire to build something meaningful. At 33, I shared my journey here — how I used grit, education and a bit of luck to launch a real estate tech startup built on transparency.

    Four years later, I’m still standing — but I’ve changed. So has my definition of success.

    Today, I’m the founder and CEO of a growing real estate tech company based in New York City. But how I run my business — and how I live — looks completely different from when I started. I’ve learned that building something sustainable takes more than hustle. It requires alignment, clarity, and the courage to evolve.

    These are the five lessons I wish I’d known sooner. They now form the foundation of how I lead and advise others.

    Related: I Built a $20 Million Company by Age 22 While Still in College. Here’s How I Did It and What I Learned Along the Way.

    1. Stop chasing the finish line

    Early on, I thought success meant scaling fast, raising capital and staying in the spotlight. But sprinting toward a vague goal is a recipe for burnout.

    Now, I prioritize rhythm over speed. My weeks are structured around deep work, reflection and meaningful conversations. Sustainable growth isn’t linear — it’s iterative. Whether you’re building a business or navigating a career shift, ask yourself: What version of success feels good to live, not just good to post?

    Start your week with a “clarity session.” List your top three priorities — both for your business and your wellbeing. If your calendar doesn’t reflect those, you’re running someone else’s race.

    2. Your business should serve your life — not the other way around

    For a while, my business ran me. Every client issue, notification and small win or loss dictated my emotions. I was reactive, and my personal life paid the price.

    Now, I see my company as a vehicle for the life I want to lead. I’ve built systems that support autonomy, hired people who don’t need micromanaging and created workflows that don’t require 24/7 attention.

    Design your business — or your career — backwards. Start by defining the lifestyle you want, then build your work structure around it. This mindset shift made me a more present human and a better leader.

    3. Real estate is still one of the best paths to wealth — if you play the long game

    My company helps people make honest, informed real estate decisions. I’ve watched many chase trends or try to time the market. But real estate rewards patience and perspective.

    Some of my best investments didn’t look exciting on paper — but they had strong fundamentals. Over time, they became strategic assets, both financially and personally.

    Avoid the hype. Focus on long-term value. Sometimes, doing nothing is the smartest move you can make.

    4. You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room

    In my early years, I believed visibility equaled success. I over-indexed on appearances — networking events, interviews, panels.

    But the most impactful moves in my career came from quiet, focused work behind the scenes. Today, I choose depth over noise. I nurture a few meaningful relationships and let results speak for themselves.

    Build your “trust circle.” Choose five people you admire and invest in those connections. You don’t need a big network. You need a strong one.

    Related: Entrepreneurial Success Comes Down to Having the Right Mindset — Here’s How to Make Sure You Do

    The biggest myth I believed was that success meant arriving. But success is constant movement. It’s reinvention. Pivoting without losing your center.

    I’ve evolved from immigrant to employee, tech lead to CEO, and now founder to educator. I mentor entrepreneurs, speak at universities and write — not just to share what I’ve learned, but to keep growing myself. Each quarter, ask: What version of me am I outgrowing? Let the answer shape your next chapter.

    Looking back, my path hasn’t been straight — and I wouldn’t change a thing. Fulfillment doesn’t come from proving yourself. It comes from building in alignment with who you’re becoming. Whether you’re just starting or starting over, know this: you don’t need to build the biggest company or be the loudest voice to make a lasting impact. You just need to build with intention.

    And most importantly — keep going.

    When I first moved to the United States, my goal was simple: survive. I had no connections, little understanding of the system, and a burning desire to build something meaningful. At 33, I shared my journey here — how I used grit, education and a bit of luck to launch a real estate tech startup built on transparency.

    Four years later, I’m still standing — but I’ve changed. So has my definition of success.

    Today, I’m the founder and CEO of a growing real estate tech company based in New York City. But how I run my business — and how I live — looks completely different from when I started. I’ve learned that building something sustainable takes more than hustle. It requires alignment, clarity, and the courage to evolve.

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

    [ad_2]

    Rodolfo Delgado

    Source link

  • How This Startup Plans to End Restaurants’ Most Wasteful Habit | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Life is full of minor inconveniences. Most people see them as annoyances, but entrepreneurs see opportunities. Small frustrations can spark ideas that lead to big solutions, and many of the best companies are built by solving problems others overlook.

    That’s exactly what Dylan Wolff has done with his water conservation startup, CNSRV.

    A cooler way to thaw

    Wolff, a Southern California native, was introduced to the issue that now dominates his life through a bartending friend.

    “He told me the restaurant wasn’t serving drinking water to customers unless they asked for it — a policy to conserve water. But in the back of the house, in the kitchen, they were running the faucet for 10 hours a day to defrost frozen food. That’s over 4,000 gallons of water straight down the drain.”

    This isn’t an isolated issue. Every year, billions of gallons of water are wasted in the U.S. food industry during the defrosting process. One turkey breast can take 5 hours of running water. It seems like small potatoes, but when you multiply that across every restaurant in America, the environmental cost is staggering.

    After this epiphany, Wolff immersed himself in the wondrous world of food defrosting. He found that restaurants use three main methods: refrigerating the food, microwaving it or running it under cold water.

    The fridge method takes days to defrost, creating an “inventory nightmare”, and we all know that microwaved food isn’t quite the same. That leaves the cold water method, which would be perfect if not for the thousands of gallons wasted each day.

    “I spoke with as many people in commercial kitchens as I could, and kept hearing the same thing,” Wolff says. “It’s just the nature of the business.”

    Undeterred, Wolff turned words into action, meeting with health departments to fully understand the code and reverse-engineer a solution. Working with his partner, Brett Abrams and Tim Nugent, head of R&D, he developed an early prototype that uses a proprietary defrosting method combining water agitation and precise temperature control.

    That prototype would become the DC: 02, a defrosting machine that cuts thawing time in half using 98% less water than traditional methods, and improves food quality, all while saving thousands in utility expenses.

    Related: I Interviewed 5 Entrepreneurs Generating Up to $20 Million in Revenue a Year — And They All Have the Same Regret About Starting Their Business

    Efficiency meets affordability

    When Wolff started, there were hardly any players in the defrosting industry, and none with a completely portable technology.

    “There are alternatives, but they’re $35,000 blast chillers that need a dedicated 220 outlet and a lot of kitchen space,” Wolff says. “We’ve built something that uses the space they’re already defrosting in, plugs into a standard 120 outlet, uses little power, and completely optimizes the process.”

    For customers who don’t care about water savings, Wolff jokes that he can “Trojan horse” it in.

    “They’ll care about the improved quality and saving time,” he says.

    They’ll also care about new rebate programs from municipalities in Southern California ($800 per unit) and Tampa, Florida ($1,000 per unit).

    “The Metropolitan Water District has a program that provides grants to innovations in the water conservation space,” Wolff explains. “I received that grant, along with the third-party validation of our technology that came with it.”

    For consumers, that means when you buy a DC:02, you’ll get a check back from the Metropolitan Water District. Wolff envisions this resonating with smaller restaurants and grocers, who benefit personally from the savings while contributing to the larger cause of water conservation.

    Related: 7 Water-Saving Strategies for Your Business

    Though passionate about the environment, Wolff has no formal training in sustainability or water conservation. What he does have is a background in product development, management, and an entrepreneurial drive. He bootstrapped CNSRV through its early stages, raising capital from friends and family before catching the attention of venture group Burnt Island Ventures, which provided the funding to take the next step.

    “I always knew I wanted to do something entrepreneurial,” Wolff says. “I just needed that spark—the problem to solve. This was a serendipitous intersection of my strengths in business and my passion for sustainability. Finding this solution is exactly where I want to focus my time and energy.”

    Life is full of minor inconveniences. Most people see them as annoyances, but entrepreneurs see opportunities. Small frustrations can spark ideas that lead to big solutions, and many of the best companies are built by solving problems others overlook.

    That’s exactly what Dylan Wolff has done with his water conservation startup, CNSRV.

    A cooler way to thaw

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

    [ad_2]

    Leo Zevin

    Source link

  • What Is Green Manure? Why, What, and How to Grow a Cover Crop for a Home Garden

    [ad_1]

    There is a wonderful product to give your plants a growing boost. It takes time to work—about two to three months—but it doesn’t require too much effort, nor does it cost very much. For a small garden, you could spend less than 10 dollars. This easy and affordable way to improve your garden’s growth? Green manure. Sadly, it doesn’t come from green cows. In fact, it doesn’t come from any animal at all.

    What is green manure?

    Above: Red clover, valued for its ability to fix nitrogen, is a good candidate for green manure. Photograph by R.R. Smith via USDA.gov on Flickr.

    Green manure is essentially a cover crop, planted in late summer or early fall, that gets tilled back into the soil in spring. It generally consists of plants in the legume family (peas and beans) that improve soil nutrition and structure by fixing nitrogen and adding organic matter. When they are incorporated into the soil, they become an effective amendment.

    What are the advantages of using green manure?

    Above: At the one-acre rooftop Farm at the Javits Center, clover is grown as a cover crop to create a self-perpetuating food forest. Photograph by Valery Rizzo for Gardenista, from Garden Visit: Farming on the Roof in Hell’s Kitchen.

    Andrew Bunting, VP of Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society explains: “Benefits include nutrient upcycling, weed suppression, adding organic matter, erosion control, help with soil fertility, and soil structure.” All of which, he says, “contributes to better water filtration, more pollinator habitats, and improved biodiversity. Certain legumes such as hairy vetch, field peas, white, red, and crimson clovers are also able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and make it available in the soil.”

    Why not just use compost?

    While compost certainly has its place in the garden, Bunting says green manure has an advantage. “Compost does not help with soil structure or weed suppression and bringing pollinators to the garden.”

    How to integrate green manure into your home garden?

    Hairy vetch, a common cover crop used for green manure. Photograph by Harry Rose via Flickr.
    Above: Hairy vetch, a common cover crop used for green manure. Photograph by Harry Rose via Flickr.

    Your local cooperative extension office can help you find the right plant for your use and your climate. Generally, green manure is sown off-season, in the late summer and early fall, with crops that can either overwinter or are winter-killed. Crops such as winter rye and hairy vetch are winter-hardy, whereas buckwheat and field peas are killed by the cold. The plants are allowed to grow for two to three months, then cut down before they go to seed, chopped up, and tilled back into the soil in early spring in time for growing season. Something to keep in mind, particularly if you live in a warmer climate with mild winters: the bed will be out of use for sowing plants until spring and at least one month after tilling.

    What plants make good green manure?

    Some good suggestions are legumes like crown vetch, hairy vetch, and clovers; grasses like winter rye and sorghum; and buckwheat—all of which germinate quickly. Want to wait a bit and sneak in another harvest? Plant some clover, which can germinate in temperatures as low as the 40s. Whichever you choose, make sure you read the instructions specifically for sowing as a cover crop. Seeds sown for cover crops are sown at a much higher rate than seeds sown for harvest. You want a thick carpet of plants.

    See also:

    (Visited 153 times, 152 visits today)

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Hyper-Local Native Plant Nurseries: The Rise of the Backyard Nursery

    [ad_1]

    This is part of a series with Perfect Earth Project, a nonprofit dedicated to toxic-free, ecological gardening, on how you can be more sustainable in your landscapes at home.   

    Time for a bit of good news. More people are growing native plants. According to the National Gardening Association, the number of people buying them has nearly doubled since 2019. And while it can still be challenging to find native plants at garden centers around the country, small, hyper-local native plant nurseries are popping up to meet demand.

    Below, we highlight six such nurseries (including three that opened just last year)—Earth Tones in Woodbury, CT; Flosagri in Cold Spring, NY; All Tomorrow’s Prairie in Tulsa, OK; Dropseed in Prince Edward County in Ontario; Redbud Native Plant Nursery in Media, PA; and Long Island Native Plant Initiative in Brentwood, NY—and asked them what lessons they’ve learned growing native plants.

    Earth Tones Native Plant Nursery, Woodbury, CT  

    Above: At Earth Tones, seedlings (plugs) grow in trays and next to it demonstration gardens. “We take inspiration from nature and think about all the different ecosystems and the plants and how that would all work together and look right in the space,” says Turoczi.

    When landscape architect Lisa Turoczi was starting out as a designer, she had to travel hours to wholesale nurseries to buy plants for projects. At one nursery she had an epiphany: “I was standing among all these flowers and there was no sound, no buzzing, no birds,” she recalled. The eerie silence was a sign that they were spraying pesticides to keep insects away from the plants. No insects, no birds. That experience provided an impetus to start Earth Tones Native Plants in Woodbury, CT, with her husband Kyle, a wetlands ecologist, in 2004. What began as a small native plant nursery with 20 different species has grown today to offer 400 different species—all geared to their region in the Northeast. They grow everything from seed, including trees and shrubs, and are also propagating ferns by spore to allow for greater genetic diversity. “Plants grown from seed grow faster and are hardier and stronger,” says Turoczi. “They’re basically grown the way nature intended them, rather than forcing a plant to make roots out of its stem.” As for sound? There’s no eerie silence at Earth Tones. You can hear nature’s full chorus.   

    Redbud Nursery, Media, PA 

    Landscape architects Snell and McDonald Hanes met at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and took over Redbud Native Plant Nursery in 2020.
    Above: Landscape architects Snell and McDonald Hanes met at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and took over Redbud Native Plant Nursery in 2020.

    “We are landscape architects who really love plants,” says Julie Snell, who, together with Lisa McDonald Hanes, founded the landscape architecture firm Tend in Media, PA, in 2013. They hadn’t set out to buy a nursery, but when Redbud Native Plant Nursery owner Catherine Smith was ready to retire five years ago, they jumped at the opportunity to take up the mantle and reconnect with the plants they love while still keeping their landscape architecture business. “When you’re working as a landscape architect, you can spend a lot of time at the computer,” says Snell. Having a nursery brings the duo back into the garden. They offer design and coaching services at Redbud, host workshops, and have display gardens so people can see, smell, and touch the plants. “We’re educators at heart,” Snell says. “We’re building community through horticulture.” 

    Long Island Native Plant Initiative, Brentwood, NY 

    Part of the mission of the nonprofit Long Island Native Plant Initiative is to preserve Long Island’s biodiversity. They have several seed increase plots to increase the seed bank.
    Above: Part of the mission of the nonprofit Long Island Native Plant Initiative is to preserve Long Island’s biodiversity. They have several seed increase plots to increase the seed bank.

    “All of our plants originated on Long Island,” says Maggie Muzante, lead nursery manager at Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI). The nonprofit grows more than 40 different ecotypic species, ethically collected from seed found in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Its mission is to preserve the area’s biodiversity and to restore habitat. “We grow multiple sessions of the same species from multiple locations in the plot to boost genetic hardiness,” Muzante says. In addition to selling resilient, nursery-grown plants, they also add to the native seed bank and work mostly with a mighty group of passionate volunteers. 

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Kendra Wilson: An Interview with the Author of Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden

    [ad_1]

    Today, we’re thrilled to open up this column to all R/G readers, not just subscribers, to share the Quick Takes answers from our very own Kendra Wilson.

    Kendra is among the OG Gardenista crew—she’s been a contributor to the site since its launch in 2012. She’s also worked for British Vogue (“my first writing job”), contributed to The Guardian‘s gardening blog, created her own “secret blog” about estate gardening in Northamptonshire, England (it was the era of blogs), and written ten (!) books—the latest being Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden. In bookstores October 14 and available for pre-order now, it’s the newest addition to the R/G collection.

    We couldn’t have dreamed up a better author and collaborator for the book. Kendra, who was born in Fairfield, CT, but moved to the U.K. as a child (“I’m essentially American, despite the English accent”), is passionate about gardens and the people who bring them to life and is opinionated in the best possible way. Read on to learn what strikes her fancy (including new-to-us, and now must-have, gardening gloves), who gets her goat, and why “gardening for nature is not a trend.”

    Photography courtesy of Kendra Wilson.

    A spread from The Low-Impact Garden.
    Above: A spread from The Low-Impact Garden.

    Your first garden memory:

    Petunias. Exploring the woods and meadows around our house in Weston, Connecticut, always barefoot. The sounds: cicadas, frogs, blue jays.

    Garden-related book you return to time and again:

    I return to these singular voices: Russell Page (The Education of a Gardener), Christopher Lloyd (The Well-Tempered Garden and many more), Vita Sackville-West’s columns for the Observer newspaper (“In Your Garden”). And less imperious: Marjorie Fish (We Made a Garden), Eleanor Peréni (Green Thoughts), and Derek Jarman (Derek Jarman’s Garden). His description of the photographer Howard Sooley is one for the ages.

    Instagram account that inspires you:

    @marcfinds, @idleriver, and @arthurparkinson when he’s annoyed about something. [Find Arthur’s own Quick Takes here.]

    Describe in three words your garden aesthetic.

    Abundant, indulgent, buzzing.

    Plant that makes you swoon:

    Crab apple blossom, lily regale, old-fashioned roses, oriental poppies, very full and highly scented lilacs.

    Plant that makes you want to run the other way:

    Hyacinths—there is no reason to plant them in the garden after they have finished flowering indoors.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Denton Reserve: The Yorkshire Estate’s Land Recovery Project

    [ad_1]

    That moment when you’re winding your way up to The Penny Bun inn in the picturesque village of Askwith in Wharfedale, England, car window down, breathing in all the beauty of the wild hedgerows, drystone walls, and patchworks of lush greens, and you are obliged to stop in your tracks for a carefree pheasant out on a very leisurely stroll? It’s a reminder to slow down, to reconnect with nature, the heart of everything at Denton Reserve.

    Set within 2,500 acres of spectacular Yorkshire countryside, this estate has embarked on an ambitious journey to re-imagine, re-wild, and regenerate the land in a bid to tackle the climate crisis, improve biodiversity, and restore balance for generations to come. Rooted in the local, its intent is global. And armed with long-term vision and a profound sense of purpose, the entire Reserve team, supported by members of the neighboring communities, are rolling up their sleeves and pitching in—because the future starts today.

    We visited two of the five main properties on the Denton estate in May: the recently opened Denton Hall, a Grade-1 listed Georgian Manor, and The Penny Bun, a 150-year old inn—both redesigned by architecture practice BOX9. We were greatly impressed by both the scale of the undertaking and the thoughtful attention to detail. (For a tour, read our story over on Remodelista.)

    Here, we take a closer look at the land recovery project, as the Reserve celebrates some exciting milestones, including the creation of a beaver enclosure, the appearance of nightjars, and the promise of honey from black bees…

    Photography by Sean Knott, Lucy Franks and Jake Eastham, courtesy of Denton Reserve.

    Focusing on three key interrelated areas of action—carbon reduction, food production and nature—Denton Reserve has decided to
    Above: Focusing on three key interrelated areas of action—carbon reduction, food production and nature—Denton Reserve has decided to “rethink everything” in order to create a new flagship model for land management and rural hospitality that will benefit both people and the planet.
    By prioritizing nature, adopting soil-friendly farming methods, regenerating its woodlands, moorland, upland pastures, and arable land, and re-inventing agricultural properties, the Reserve aims to restore balance and harmony.
    Above: By prioritizing nature, adopting soil-friendly farming methods, regenerating its woodlands, moorland, upland pastures, and arable land, and re-inventing agricultural properties, the Reserve aims to restore balance and harmony.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Testing Finds No Detectable PFAS in FieldTurf Field – Outperforming Even Natural Grass

    [ad_1]


    CALHOUN, Ga., July 9, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    A recent study looking at PFAS in turf fields installed at two Northern California high schools found they contained no detectable PFAS above State and EPA soil screening levels. At one of the fields, no PFAS were detected at all.

    “Our Proof is in the ground” isn’t just a tagline-it’s a foundational principle at FieldTurf. We show you the numbers behind the words because we believe true impact comes from transparency.

    As PFAS remains a topic of public and regulatory concern, FieldTurf commissioned this study, led by environmental consulting firm Gradient, to help organizations and communities navigate the conversation on field options with facts and transparency, not flashy claims that have led experts to question the deceptive tactics of some manufacturers. While others talk about what they plan or can do, FieldTurf is delivering results.

    Summary of the study and results

    Gradient’s study of PFAS compounds used US EPA Method 1633 to evaluate 40 individual PFAS compounds in these fields before and after construction of new FieldTurf fields. One field was originally natural grass, and the other, an older synthetic system with SBR rubber. Both high schools replaced their aged surfaces with new FieldTurf fields, installed using natural infills like cork, sand, and olive pits. Testing results showed one new FieldTurf field with no detectable PFAS compounds, and trace levels at the other new field.

    All results (visible at the link below and in the accompanying image) were below EPA and/or US State soil screening limits and/or within normal background ranges.

    Link to table with comparison of sampling results to screening levels

    As part of its ongoing transition in fiber production, FieldTurf is seeing clear outcomes. The testing results highlight the progress made through material innovation and purpose-led design-with no detectable PFAS found in recently extruded fibers and only trace levels present in legacy materials. It’s further proof that FieldTurf systems are safe, and the company continues to change the game-not just in performance but in product leadership and sustainable innovation.

    A Closer Look at PFAS in Natural Grass Playing Fields

    Natural grass is not immune to the presence of PFAS. In fact, a 2024 self-funded white paper by environmental consulting firm Woodard & Curran titled PFAS in Massachusetts Background Soils assessed the background occurrence of PFAS in soil. This study analyzed 100 surface soil samples across undeveloped sites in Massachusetts, finding measurable concentrations of PFAS in 88% of samples-nine PFAS compounds were detected, and over half exceeded the strictest state soil screening levels. This study, and many others, show that atmospheric transport of PFAS has the potential to impact soil, even in remote areas.

    The results of this background soil study are consistent with Gradient’s high school field study, which found that prior to replacement, the natural grass field at the Northern California high school contained higher PFAS levels than both the existing synthetic turf and the two newly installed replacement systems. This reinforces the finding that natural grass fields may contain higher levels of these PFAS compounds than a FieldTurf system.

    Committed to investing in extensive testing & expert consultants

    FieldTurf has made significant investments in research, laboratory testing, and third-party consultation to ensure our systems are grounded in science and transparency. This commitment isn’t new-it’s a foundational part of how we operate and how we’ve earned our customers’ trust over the past 25 years.

    In addition to the Gradient study, FieldTurf has conducted extensive lab testing across its key products to identify possible PFAS compounds that could be present as pre-installation ingredients. The accredited third-party lab tested FieldTurf products for more than 70 PFAS compounds, with results showing:

    • No key products contained detections above U.S. EPA screening levels.

    • Most PFAS detections were below reporting limits or could be attributed to lab background.

    • A simulated worst-case exposure test (TOP assay) also had no detections above U.S. EPA screening levels, confirming product integrity.

    “We’re here to help communities make informed decisions with real data and expert support. For over 25 years, we’ve invested in doing things the right way, and this study is a powerful validation of that approach,” said Darren Gill, Executive Vice President of FieldTurf. “Our holistic approach to Protect People & Planet is stitched into the fabric of how we do business and sits at the heart of our day-to-day decision-making.”

    Leading solutions delivered by leading builders. FieldTurf is part of Tarkett Sports, a world leader in sports construction and surfacing. Providing architectural design, full-scope construction services, and a comprehensive portfolio of industry-leading sports surfacing solutions.

    Contact Information:

    Iannick Di Sanza
    Director of Marketing
    iannick.disanza@tarkettsports.com
    514 375 2646

    Source: FieldTurf

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • The High Cost of Sustainability in California

    [ad_1]

    Balancing Sustainability with Affordability is Critical for Californians


    SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 7, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    California’s electricity costs are among the highest in the nation, with residential rates rising 47% from 2019 to 2023, according to a recent report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

    As California phases out gas-powered appliances, vehicles, and infrastructure in favor of electricity, the financial burden on working-class households and small business owners will continue to grow.

    “We’re a recycling company, and we care about the environment. I understand the need for cleaner air, but it feels like small businesses are carrying the burden of these mandates,” said Marcus Gomez, co-owner of CA Clothing Recyclers. “Lawmakers don’t seem to realize how much it takes to run a business and how these policies affect us-whether it’s a restaurant, a clothing exporter like me, or a gardener. These are forgotten industries, and there’s a real disconnect between the work we do, and the laws being made in the capital.”

    Levanta Tu Voz, a Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) program, is urging policymakers to pursue energy solutions that balance sustainability with affordability for all Californians. Its latest blog post, “The Cost of Sustainability in California,” highlights the cost implications of new energy mandates -asking how California plans to achieve sustainability without making life unaffordable for its residents.

    “California’s energy policies are important and well-intended, but it cannot come at the expense of affordability,” said Argelia León, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Southwest Policy, WSPA. “California needs smart policies that support sustainability without making it harder for households already struggling with high electricity costs, high gas prices, and inflation.”

    Some legislators have pledged to tackle affordability while maintaining sustainability efforts, but it remains unclear how they plan to find a fair balance.

    To read the full blog, learn more about Levanta Tu Voz, and understand how California’s energy policies may affect you, visit https://levantatuvoz.org/.

    ###

    About Levanta Tu Voz
    Levanta Tu Voz (Raise Your Voice) is a program of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) created to empower voices of the Latino community across California. Efforts to improve air quality and fight climate change are important but will only work if the solutions are affordable for everyone. Even though Latinos will be disproportionately impacted by a rushed energy transition, Latino voices are often absent from discussions on energy and climate issues. WSPA has been working with – and listening to – the Latino community to co-create a program where Latino voices and perspectives can be part of the energy and climate conversation.

    Source: Levanta Tu Voz

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Paper Transport Surpasses 80 Million Natural Gas Miles, Strengthening Commitment to Sustainable Freight Solutions

    [ad_1]


    DE PERE, Wis., March 31, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Paper Transport (PTI), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable freight solutions, proudly announces that it has surpassed 80 million natural gas miles, further reinforcing its dedication to reducing carbon emissions in the trucking industry.

    This milestone reflects PTI’s ongoing investment in alternative fuel technology, including Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which provide shippers with a cleaner and more sustainable transportation option. By leveraging RNG-powered trucks, PTI has displaced over 12.8 million gallons of diesel to date, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

    “Our commitment to sustainability isn’t just a talking point-it’s a measurable impact,” said Ben Schill, Chief Corporate Development Officer at Paper Transport. “Crossing the 80 million natural gas mile mark proves that alternative fuel trucking isn’t just the future-it’s happening now. We’re proud to help our shippers meet their sustainability goals while driving real change in freight transportation.”

    Driving the Industry Forward

    As sustainability and supply chain efficiency take center stage, Paper Transport remains at the forefront of sustainable freight solutions. By continuing to invest in RNG, CNG, and cutting-edge fuel efficiency technology, the company is positioning itself-and its customers-for long-term success in an evolving logistics landscape.

    For businesses looking to make sustainability a competitive advantage, PTI offers dedicated transportation solutions that align with environmental, regulatory, and financial goals.

    About Paper Transport

    Paper Transport (PTI) is a top 100 for-hire truckload carrier specializing in dedicated truckload, intermodal, and brokerage solutions. Focusing on innovation, safety, and sustainability, PTI partners with shippers to deliver reliable, scalable, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions. Learn more at papertransport.com.

    Contact Information

    Cate Whitman
    Commercial Marketing Manager
    cwhitman@papertransport.com
    (920) 617-5412

    Source: PTI

    [ad_2]

    Source link