News Bites

A.S. Watson has announced the adoption of a comprehensive framework to make every store, staff member and customer around the world a steward of the earth. The Greener Stores Global Framework touches every aspect of the business including store design, construction, operations and maintenance. There are also elements to encourage customers to bring greener practices into their everyday lives. One set of practical measures that has been achieved are Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission targets. A 40% reduction (from a 2015 baseline) in GHG emissions, targeted for the end of 2030, was beaten by the end of 2021! New targets have been set for A.S. Watson operations, supplier inputs and upstream transportation and distribution.  

EnviroNZ has enlisted sustainability champions Deepa Goswami and Danielle Schäche to help New Zealanders waste less and recycle more. The duo empower citizens and businesses to think about waste in new ways in support of regional waste minimisation goals. They work with local government bodies and community groups as part of the team at EnviroWaste.  

Wales & West Utilities is helping profoundly deaf people to protect themselves from the odourless, invisible silent killer, carbon monoxide, as well as smoke and heat. Working with the local Fire and Rescue Service, they are funding the installation of Wi-Fi-enabled alarms, complete with strobe lights and vibrating pads, in the homes of deaf people and their families. Traditional sound-based alarms may suffice in other circumstances, but installed alarms and wearable devices will specifically help this community. The project is funded by Wales & West Utilities’ Vulnerability & Carbon Monoxide Allowance, designed to support the most vulnerable people in our communities.  

Parents and children are getting Internet savvy with Wind Tre’s help. They have launched the first webinar of the new edition of the NeoConnessi educational project that will sensitise young people to use the Internet safely and responsibly. Digital context, security measures and strategies are explained so that parents can also help their children to become competent at navigating online risks. The webinar, “Digital Growth: All the Opportunities of the Internet, in Safety” brings together police, government officials and sector experts to present clear guidance for families.  

Over 1,548 Indonesian women have contributed their ideas to reduce gender disparities in the fields of education, economy, health and the environment. The SheHacks programme at Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison conducts competitions and coaching programmes for women of all ages. Twelve webinar sessions have already been produced, a fourfold increase on the previous year. The programme is also reaching more people across Indonesia; over 23% of participants come from outside of Java Island.  

Northern Gas Networks made an amazing discovery while decommissioning 85-year-old gas tanks in Bradford, UK. The Birkshall Gasworks site contained three time capsules from 1937. The glass containers each contained a copy of the Telegraph & Argus newspaper and documents listing the date of the construction and engineering, which was overseen by the Bradford Gas Corporation and Chief Engineer G.E. Currier. NGN tracked down Mr Currier’s family to gift one of the time capsules to them.  

Responsible waste management is now a concern for all good corporate citizens. The circular economy is an economy where resources are constantly being captured and put to good use instead of going to waste. EnviroNZ is supporting New Zealand’s transition to a low-carbon circular economy. These efforts are chronicled in their first ever Sustainability Report, showcasing their work with industry partners to deliver tangible solutions that can bring the circular economy to life.  

Watsons is asking Asians to #GetActive! Tailored for the Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand markets, the Watsons VR Get Active Park is an online experience with four exciting zones to help people lead an active and healthy life. Participants can earn rewards while improving their health in the Exercise Arena where they can measure their body mass index (BMI) and work out with virtual trainers. The Watsons VR Get Active Park delivers fun workout challenges, the Wat’s On Air zone provides health tips, and the Brand Expo helps connect people to the health products right for them. It’s time for you to head to the Watsons VR Get Active Park to get healthy!  

Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival is back! The world’s best and brightest innovators in water management will return for the sixth iteration of this fount of creativity. Online and live attendees will bring their solutions to address issues related to cybersecurity, climate change, water scarcity and other important topics. Scientists and engineers will mingle with musicians, comedians, environmental activists and documentarians at the Newcastle Racecourse in July 2022. Stay wet, Northumbria!  

The Drei Hilft (“Three helps”) campaign commits to providing a hearty bowl of soup to those in need, for every 500 steps taken by social media followers. About 45,000 hot soups with bread have been donated by 3 Austria so far. This covers about 22 weeks of services, provided in the dead of winter to nourish the stomachs and souls of those who most need it. This was the best result since the campaign started delivering on their campaign motto: “Every year, make a difference”.  

International Women’s Day 2022 was the day to launch the utility’s new Women’s Inclusion Network. One of the goals is to inspire more women to choose a career in the gas industry. Women will share life experiences and provide advice and support to their colleagues in, or considering joining, the gas sector.  

Wind Tre’s supplier is recycling the insides of old refrigerators into SIM cards called ‘Eco-SIMS’. The process guarantees a carbon-neutral certification for these cards made of 100% recycled material. The SIM card packaging is produced from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified recycled paper and is part of a wide range of eco-friendly measures that permeate Wind Tre operations.