Tandem Global Announces New Board Members and Welcomes New Chairperson, Ecolab’s Emilio Tenuta

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BETHESDA, MD – JUNE 18, 2025 – Tandem Global, a leading NGO working at the intersection of business, climate, water and nature, is pleased to announce the election of a new Chairperson, Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Ecolab, and the appointment of several new members to its Board of Directors.

Tenuta, who succeeds Connie Hergert, Vice President of Ontario Power Generation as Chair of Tandem Global, brings a wealth of experience in sustainability and corporate responsibility focused on environmental stewardship and helping customers operate more sustainably. He shares a deep commitment to advancing Tandem Global’s work with businesses to support long-term positive impacts on our shared environment. Tenuta served on the board of the World Environment Center (WEC) since 2019 and played a pivotal role in combining WEC and Wildlife Habitat Council to form Tandem Global earlier this year. In his role as Chair, he will help guide the strategic direction of the organization during a time of exciting growth and opportunity.

“We are thrilled to welcome Emilio as our new Board Chair,” said Margaret O’Gorman, CEO of Tandem Global. “He brings exceptional leadership and a clear vision for the future of Tandem Global as we are positioned to expand our network and share our proven strategies and expertise in supporting corporate actions for nature. We are also excited to welcome our new board members whose diverse perspectives and expertise will strengthen our ability to deliver on our mission.”

Joining the board are:

  • Heather Brown, Vice President, Environment, Health and Safety, Ontario Power Generation
  • Peter J Dulik, Global Head of Occupational Safety and EHS Management Systems, BASF
  • Lynn Anne Sanguedolce, Senior Principal and Manager of Water, Waste, Land & Biodiversity, ExxonMobil
  • Claire Schachter, Of Counsel, Beveridge and Diamond
  • Steven Tomaszewski, Global Director, Environmental Operations, General Motors

“I’m honored to step into the role of Board Chair at Tandem Global during such a pivotal time,” said Tenuta. “The urgency and relevance of our mission have never been clearer. I’m inspired by the dedication of our board and leadership team, and I look forward to harnessing our collective strengths to drive bold, lasting impact around the world.”

For a full list of Board Members, visit Our People page.

Tandem Global Awards Presented at the 2025 Conference

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Detroit, MI, JUNE 4, 2025 – Tandem Global announces the winners of its 2025 Tandem Global Awards during their annual conference held in Detroit, Michigan, on June 3-4. The Tandem Global Awards honor excellence in corporate conservation, with awardees representing various national and international companies across numerous industries.

The year’s top awards, recognizing leadership in corporate conservation, were won by General Motors Company and ITC Holdings.

“We’re seeing a new era of business leadership, one where conservation and corporate success go hand in hand,” said Margaret O’Gorman, CEO, Tandem Global. “Companies like General Motors and ITC Holdings exemplify how the private sector can lead with purpose, integrating innovation and conservation to drive lasting environmental impact. Their achievements reflect the growing leadership we’re seeing across industries, and we’re honored to highlight their work through the Tandem Global Awards.”

The Employee Engagement Award, given to General Motors, celebrates the exemplary contributions of one company’s employees towards their habitat and conservation education efforts.

The 2025 Gold Program of the Year Award, which honors the overall depth of one corporate conservation program, was awarded to ITC for its ITC Corporate Headquarters in Novi, Michigan.

General Motors received this year’s Corporate Conservation Leadership Award, which recognizes one company’s overall achievement in conservation and commends their corporate commitment to biodiversity, conservation education and alignment with global conservation objectives.

This year’s most honored company was General Motors. Receiving the Tandem Global Employee Engagement Award and the Corporate Conservation Leadership Award, in addition to three project awards (Deserts, Land Conservation Agreements, and Training) recognizing their species and habitat conservation efforts in Brazil and Mexico.

In addition to these corporate and program-level awards, individual projects are recognized for excellence in each of the WHC Certification, powered by Tandem Global, project themes. These award categories offer projects of all sizes the ability to compete for recognition.

The following is a complete list of 2025 Tandem Global Award Winners:

Avian Project Award                                

Ashland, Bird Box Monitoring | Hopewell, Virginia

Awareness and Community Engagement Project Award
Cemex, Merida = Xtepen + Caliza II | Yucatán, Mexico

Bats Project Award
WM, Monarch Hill Bat Boxes | Pompano Beach, Florida

Desert Project Award
General Motors, San Luis Potosí Complex | San Luis Potosí, México

Forests Project Award
CRH Americas, Gravette Quarry Site | Gravette, Arkansas

Formal Learning Project Award
Ontario Power Generation, Niagara Operations Sites | Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

Grasslands Project Award
Exelon Corporation, Morton Arboretum | Lisle, Wisconsin

Green Infrastructure Project Award
Davey Resource Group, WSSI Native Habitat | Gainesville, Virginia

Invasive Species Project Award
CRH Americas, Gravette Quarry Site | Gravette, Arkansas

Land Conservation Agreements Project Award
General Motors, Toluca Complex and TREC/CCA | Toluca, Mexico

Landscaped Project Award
CRH Americas, Des Moines Asphalt and Paving | Johnston, Iowa

Mammals Project Award
Grupo México, Rehabilitación de Lobo Mexicano, Cananea | Sonora, México

Marine Intertidal Project Award
Boeing, Boeing Plant 2 | Seattle Washington

Other Habitat Project Award

ExxonMobil, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, St. Mary’s Island | Baytown, Texas

Other Species Project Award
Bruce Power L.P., Bruce Site, Tiverton | Ontario, Canada

Pollinators Project Award
Boeing, Pollinator Prairie | Olathe, Kansas

Remediation Project Award
Boeing, Pollinator Prairie, CCI Remediation and Restoration Project | Olathe Kansas

Reptiles and Amphibians Project Award
Bayer, Muscatine Plant and Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve | Muscatine, Iowa

Species of Concern Project Award
Bayer, Muscatine Plant and Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve | Muscatine, Iowa

Training Project Award
General Motors Company, São José dos Campos Plant | São José, Brazil

Wetlands and Water Bodies Project Award
Ontario Power Generation, Lennox Thermal GS | Bath, Ontario, Canada

Tandem Global Corporate Conservation Leadership Award
General Motors

Tandem Global Employee Engagement Award
General Motors

Tandem Global Gold Program of the Year Award
ITC Holdings, ITC Corporate Headquarters | Novi, Michigan

Award finalists and winners were chosen from WHC Certification applications submitted between January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024, that were granted certification. Information on the award criteria can be found here.

bp, Tandem Global and Indiana State and County Agencies Work To Restore Lake Michigan’s Dune and Swale

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4-Year Effort Made Possible with $1.5 Million bp Biodiversity Restoration Grant

NORTHWEST, Ind., April 8, 2025  – Tandem Global and bp International announce a 4-year Biodiversity Restoration project with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Nature Preserves and the Lake County Parks and  Recreation Department (LCP) to restore and conserve the critically rare Southern Lake Michigan Dune and Swale ecosystem. The project is funded by a $1.5M grant from bp, which aims to support biodiversity where we operate including collaborating with others to support selected biodiversity restoration projects.

“Our job is to be a responsible and safe refinery operator,” said Chris DellaFranco, the VP of Refining of bp’s Whiting Refinery in Northwest Indiana. “That responsibility starts with respecting the area and communities where we operate. bp is proud to be part of the northwest Indiana community and is committed to being a good partner.”

This four-year project will focus on the restoration of the Great Lakes Dune and Swale ecosystem, designated as Indiana State Nature Preserves, within the cities of Hammond, East Chicago, and Gary, Indiana. This Northwestern Indiana Coastal Lake Michigan watershed area encompasses more than 700 species of native plants and 200 bird species, including globally rare habitats and several endangered and threatened species of plants, insects, and birds. Over the past century, the Dune and Swale ecosystem, which originally covered the entire south end of Lake Michigan, has been reduced to approximately 900 acres (364 hectares) of isolated and fragmented parcels. These parcels range in size from 170 acres (69 hectares) to as little as 5 acres (2 hectares) and support a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Key efforts funded by the grant include ecological restoration, habitat restoration and invasive species control across fragments owned and managed by the IDNR and LCP containing black oak savannas, sand prairies, sedge meadows and Grand Calumet River wetlands will include flora and fauna monitoring stations. These and other ecological and community actions will increase native plant diversity and improve climate resilience.

Community engagement is a major component of the project. It will bring together biodiversity stakeholders and allies from various sectors to create a positive impact on biodiversity on both the ecosystem and the community. This includes involvement with local schools, scouts, and other groups, as well as consultations and planning for the sustainability of our efforts.

“This bp funded Biodiversity project brings together community, conservation, and industry to restore rare habitats in Northwest Indiana,” said Daniel Goldfarb, Director of Social Impact/Ecosystem Restoration at Tandem Global. “It’s an important investment by bp that Tandem Global is proud to lead, preserving biodiversity near the bp Whiting Refinery and other local industries.”

Added Craig Zandstra, Superintendent of Planning & Natural Resources at the Lake County Parks and Recreation “The Dune and Swale ecosystem is one of the most ecologically interesting landscapes in our region, and this project is a major step in ensuring its long-term health and restoration. Through this partnership, we are not only revitalizing these critical areas but also deepening our Indiana community’s connection to the natural spaces that make our urban-industrial neighborhoods so unique.”

About Tandem Global 

Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. Tandem Global connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org.

New White Paper: Innovative Green Infrastructure Solutions – A Blueprint for Biodiversity Sustainability and Community Well-Being

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BETHESDA, Md., March 6, 2025 – Tandem Global is offering a new white paper, Sustainable Green Infrastructure | Unlocking Business Value, Biodiversity Gains, and Community Benefits, for download today. This white paper is sponsored by DTE Energy.   

Conventional urban and industrial infrastructure poses a threat to the environment and pollutes our precious resources. As urban centers and industrial sites continue to grow, it is imperative that we take steps in mitigating our impact on surrounding ecosystems. Corporations who own land and industrial sites can proactively uphold waterways, soil health, and air quality standards while sustaining productivity levels. By embracing innovative solutions and adopting sustainable practices, we can balance the relationship between industry and conservation while promoting a healthier, more enjoyable planet.

Green infrastructure projects provide creative solutions to many of these urban and industrial environmental challenges. In fact, many green infrastructure projects have already proven to be successful additions to company sites. The case studies featured in this white paper illustrate the co-benefits of green infrastructure by not only providing cost-effective access to critical infrastructure but also uplifting biodiversity and supporting community needs.

Featured case studies include:

  • BlueTriton Brands, Twin Creek Nature Area: Evart, Michigan, U.S.A
  • General Motors, Chevrolet Boulevard: São Jose, Brazil
  • MEG Energy, Christina Lake Regional Project: Alberta, Canada
  • Toyota North America, Ann Arbor Woodridge Campus: Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A
  • Wetland Studies and Solutions, Headquarters: Gainesville, Virginia, U.S.A

Sponsored by DTE Energy, this white paper features a foreword Shawn Patterson, Vice President of Environmental Management and Safety, DTE Energy. He states, “Nature-based solutions are the way of the future, and DTE is committed to doing the vital work of protecting our environment and our communities, while powering a cleaner tomorrow for all.”

About Tandem Global

Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. It connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org.

New International NGO, Tandem Global, Launches to Advance Corporate Sustainability Initiatives

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The Official Combination of Globally Recognized Leaders, World Environment Center and Wildlife Habitat Council, Establishes a New Leader at the Intersection of Business and Nature

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 25, 2025 – Two of the leading nonprofit organizations empowering businesses to enhance and safeguard the natural world, Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC)  and World Environment Center (WEC), are now Tandem Global.  The new organization, with its new name and brand, honors 75 years of combined experience, which will now be leveraged in tandem for the benefit of businesses and the environment. The Tandem Global team of experts, from a wide range of fields located across the globe, will provide technical acumen, innovative solutions, and thought leadership to support corporate sustainability efforts. Meet our 100 corporate members here.

Tandem Global corporate members, consulting engagements, and certified programs can be found in 47 U.S. states and 19 countries. With over half the world’s total GDP moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impactful strategies and resilient solutions that support a better future for nature and business. Tandem Global will continue to offer meaningful private sector value through proven approaches in nature, water, climate resilience and social impact, including the world’s leading voluntary sustainability standard for corporate conservation actions, WHC Certification, Powered by Tandem Global.

“At Tandem Global, we believe there is no greater cause with global consequences than the intersection of business and nature. The formation of Tandem Global through the combination of WHC and WEC and the establishment of our new brand reflect our commitment to working across sectors for the benefit of both business and nature” said Margaret O’Gorman, CEO of Tandem Global. “I have spent nearly two decades working with the C-Suite to the site level operations and beyond fence lines to activate environmental commitments and practices. As business and nature rapidly evolve, it is increasingly clear that together leads to better.”

Since early 2024, the board members and staff from both Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center, alongside trusted professional partners, have been working together on a strategic plan, the new brand identity, and enhancing governance structures. The close collaboration between WHC and WEC has yielded a unique organization that provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward. The combination also includes WEC Europe e.V., which will continue to serve as the Global Thought Leadership hub.

“Tandem Global’s role in providing the platform and expertise for companies to align their business and environmental interests has never been more vital,” said O’Gorman. “We will support, spotlight, coach, and collaborate with team members at every level of an enterprise to provide value to industry and communities. We don’t do this work at the expense of business imperatives—we do it with business, climate, nature, water, and community imperatives all in alignment.”

The organization’s annual conference for professionals working at the intersection of business and nature, Tandem Global Conference, will be held June 3 and 4 in Detroit, Michigan.

WHC Awarded $750,000 Grant from GreenLatinos to Enhance Urban Canopies in Northwestern Indiana

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Projects to focus on improving canopy networks to help mitigate urban heat island effect, prevent sediment runoff in local waterways, and increase biodiversity in urban communities

BETHESDA, Md., Nov 6, 2024 – Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of USD 750,000 from GreenLatinos, a national non-profit of Latino leaders confronting national and local environmental issues in the Latino community. This grant is aimed at implementing urban forestry efforts focused on tree planting and maintenance, and community engagement.

This significant contribution will be used to support WHC’s initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting wildlife habitats across Northwest Indiana. WHC’s focus is geared towards improving local canopy networks to help mitigate urban heat island effect, prevent sediment runoff in local waterways (namely the Grand Calumet River), and increase biodiversity in urban communities.

Throughout the initiative, community members will benefit from horticultural and arboricultural education, increasing local expertise and providing sustainable opportunities. After completion, Northwest Indiana communities will benefit from increased public green spaces that may be utilized for recreational activities and public wellness.

“By nurturing local canopy networks and green spaces in urban areas, we are not only enhancing the environment but also creating a sense of pride and well-being among residents,” said Daniel Goldfarb, Director of Social Impact, WHC. “Our commitment to the area, both with our work and our membership presence, empowers us to continue making a positive impact one tree at a time.”

Added Goldfarb, “For our member companies located in the Great Lakes (and beyond), urban and community forestry is emerging as a key point of intersection between equity and justice efforts for communities, and climate adaptation actions contributing to corporate climate goals. It’s another way to engage our corporate membership in the communities they work.”

The collaboration between WHC and GreenLatinos highlights a shared commitment to environmental equity and community engagement. Together, both organizations will work to enhance biodiversity, promote the importance of preserving wildlife habitats in urban and underserved communities, and develop pathways for nature-related jobs.

This initiative is funded by the USDA Forest Service in aims of promoting health and vitality in urban communities across the United States. The USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forest Program plays a vital role in fostering resilient and thriving urban forests for the benefit of present and future generations, while promoting a sense of stewardship and connection to nature within urban communities and environments.

Learn more about the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program

Introducing Tandem Global

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There is nothing more vital or essential than safeguarding and stewarding our resources. It’s true for everyone and it’s true for business. Without a nature mindset there will be no business to do.

January 2025

2025 marks a significant milestone for WHC, as we embrace a new beginning as a combined organization with the World Environment Center. We are proud and energized to share the new name for our organization—one that better reflects who we are, what we stand for, and where we’re headed.

Our new brand symbolizes growth, renewal, and our ongoing commitment to advancing environmental sustainability around the world.

Introducing…

Together leads to better

It’s one of our fundamental beliefs and it’s the foundation of who we are, how we work, and the name we’ve chosen for our organization —Tandem Global.

We chose our name, in part, because our work happens at the intersection of critical global forces: business, climate, water, and nature. It has never been more important for humanity that these forces work effectively in tandem. As a result, our name represents a focus on partnerships with businesses and communities to develop and activate strategies that support long-term positive impacts on our shared environment locally and globally.

As an organization, we believe there is no greater cause with global consequences than the intersection of business and nature. As Tandem Global, we will offer meaningful private sector value through proven approaches in nature, water, climate resilience and social impact. Through technical acumen and thought leadership, the new organization will deliver value through solutions and support for a wide range of corporate sustainability efforts – from operations to the C-suite, all under the same roof.

Coming Soon

The official launch of our new name will take place at the end of February. At that time, we’ll also launch our new website TandemGlobal.org, with our new email addresses and new branding.

Our new organization will also include Tandem Global, e.V., which will serve as the European arm of our organization and our Global Thought Leadership Hub.

For now, you can continue to access the full Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center websites, but be sure to check out TandemGlobal.org in late February.

FAQs

When will the new organization officially launch?

We expect to introduce the new combined organization in Q1 2025. Along with a new name and brand identity, expect an invigorated website, expanded value proposition, and a new mission and vision. In the meantime, both WHC and WEC continue to operate under their respective brands.

What can we expect from the new organization?

With the expertise of the two organizations, and their combined 75 years of experience, Tandem Global will expand opportunities for best-in-class collaborations with companies to halt and restore nature loss, improve water stewardship, enhance climate and community resilience and support the transition to a circular economy. Tandem Global will serve a member network of over 100 corporations around the world supporting sustainable ecosystems and the communities that surround them.

What is the geographical footprint of the new organization’s operations?

Officially, the headquarters of the new organization will be in Washington, D.C., with offices in Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A. WHC and WEC currently operate with a dispersed workforce, and the new organization will continue this practice. The new organization will support members across all continents with official operations in the U.S, Europe (as Tandem Global, e.V., based in Germany) and Latin America (in El Salvador and Peru).

Who will lead the new organization?

Margaret O’Gorman has been named CEO of the new organization. The Tandem Global Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from WHC and WEC member companies. View the full list of board members here.

Will WHC Certification change its name?

In recognition of its significant reputational value, the certification program will continue to be branded as WHC Certification. The brand ‘look’ will be refreshed with an updated mark, font, and a Tandem Global identifier, but previous Certification branding (e.g. signage) will continue to be used ensuring minimal disruption to the program.

Will there be a Conservation Conference in 2025?

A rebranded Conference will be held June 3-4 in Detroit, MI, with the exceptional speakers, sessions and networking opportunities attendees have come to expect from our signature event.

What’s happening with funded projects?

All work related to funded projects of both organizations — currently underway or scheduled— will continue without interruption, even during the Q1 transition.

 

 

 

 

Carrier Honored With World Environment Center’s 2024 Gold Medal Award for Corporate Sustainability

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GE Aerospace’s Chairman and CEO, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Presented Carrier with Prestigious Award

WASHINGTON, November 14, 2024  – Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, was awarded the World Environment Center’s (WEC) 40th Annual Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development. Past award winners of the global competition include Microsoft, Walmart, IBM and Starbucks.

“Carrier is honored to be recognized by the prestigious World Environment Center for our progress and commitment to sustainability,” said Carrier Chairman & CEO David Gitlin. “We are strategically innovating and expanding our portfolio of solutions through electrification, energy efficiency and digitally enabled lifecycle solutions to help our customers avoid more than one gigaton of carbon emissions by 2030. At Carrier, our 50,000 team members remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and setting new standards for sustainable development.”

The award was presented to Carrier’s Chairman & CEO David Gitlin at WEC’s Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 13, 2024, by Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. “I am pleased to see David and the Carrier team receive this prestigious award,” said Mr. Culp. “Carrier’s dedication to shaping a more sustainable future and its ongoing investments in innovative, energy-efficient solutions is raising the bar in climate leadership. On the heels of its successful portfolio transformation, Carrier’s pioneering role in driving sustainable progress in its own operations, for its customers, and across the entire industry is both inspiring and admirable.”

WEC President and CEO Margaret O’Gorman stated, “Congratulations to Carrier on being selected as the 2024 Gold Medal winner in recognition of their steadfast commitment to breakthrough climate and energy technologies and progress toward their 2030 sustainability goals. We look forward to Carrier’s continued global climate leadership in empowering customers with innovative, sustainable solutions.”

The World Environment Center’s Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development, awarded annually since its establishment in 1985, honors a global company that has integrated sustainability into its business practices, created ground-breaking solutions to critical environmental and social challenges, and demonstrated global leadership to accelerate progress toward a sustainable future. An independent Gold Medal Jury comprised of recognized sustainability experts, including international leaders from academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and retired industry professionals, selects the Gold Medalist through a global competition among nominated companies invited to apply for the Award.

To learn more about Carrier’s commitments and progress on its journey to becoming the global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, please see its recently released 2024 Sustainability and Impact Report. For more information about its 2030 sustainability aspirations, please visit 2030 Sustainability and Impact Goals.

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About Carrier
Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, is committed to creating solutions that matter for people and our planet for generations to come. From the beginning, we’ve led in inventing new technologies and entirely new industries. Today, we continue to lead because we have a world-class, diverse workforce that puts the customer at the center of everything we do. For more information, visit www.corporate.carrier.com or follow Carrier on social media at @Carrier.

About WEC: The World Environment Center advances sustainable development through corporate business practices. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Europe and Latin America, WEC advances corporate sustainability leadership through its global executive roundtable on key challenges and opportunities, builds capacity of small enterprises in emerging markets, and honors industry excellence through its annual Gold Medal Award. WEC is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization. For more information, please visit www.wec.org or follow on LinkedIn at @world-environment-center.

Carrier Contact:
Rob Six | 561-281-2362 | Robert.Six@Carrier.com

WEC Contact: 
press@wec.org

New White Paper Tracks Corporates’ Progress in Reaching GBF Targets

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BETHESDA, Md., Nov 6, 2024 – WHC (Wildlife Habitat Council) is offering a new white paper, Beyond Target 15 | Aligning Corporate Nature Actions to the Global Biodiversity Framework, for download today. Cemex sponsors this white paper, which is available for free on our website.  

Biodiversity loss continues to pose a significant threat to ecosystems and human well-being. To address this global biodiversity crisis, the Global Diversity Framework (GBF) lists 23 targets to achieve by 2030. Following the initial announcement back in 2022, Target 15 was isolated, becoming the primary focus for corporate companies. While important, promoting and highlighting initiatives beyond Target 15 is necessary to push us forward. This conversation was highlighted at the latest Conference of Parties(COP16), where companies determined how the GBF goals and targets aligned to their national action plans.

Because we understand corporate conservation’s long-term positive impact on biodiversity, communities, habitats, species, and company morale, WHC is committed to investing in all conservation efforts. Over the years, WHC-certified sites have made significant strides in facilitating nature-positive actions that align with GBF targets. Learn more about these efforts in the case studies featured in this latest white paper. 

Featured Case Studies from WHC-Certified sites include:  

  • GM: Canoas Metropolitan Park, Bogota, Columbia 
  • Kenvue: Guelph Manufacturing Plant, Ontario, Canada 
  • Boeing: Santa Susana Field Laboratory, California, U.S.A 
  • Freeport-McMoRan: PTFI, Papua, Indonesia 
  • WM: El Sobrante Landfill, California, U.S.A. 
  • Cemex: Las Salinas &  Laguna Cabral, Barahona, Dominican Republic 
  • Vulcan Materials Company: Villa Rica, Georgia, U.S.A. 
  • Matador Ranch & Cattle:  Beaverhead Ranch, Montana, U.S.A 
  • Alkebu-Lan Village: Community Garden, Michigan, U.S.A.  

Sponsored by Cemex, this white paper features a foreword from Vicente Saiso, Vice President of Sustainability, Cemex. He states, “Our commitment to a nature-positive future is fundamental to our comprehensive Future in Action sustainability program. At Cemex, we are setting the pace to build a better, more sustainable future.” 

About WHC

WHC (Wildlife Habitat Council) has been working at the nexus of business and biodiversity for 35 years and is the only international NGO focused exclusively on enabling private sector action for nature. WHC builds strategies and frameworks for companies to integrate nature with climate, equity and engagement to support sustainable ecosystems and healthy communities. WHC’s corporate members represent some of the leading national and multinational corporations. WHC-certified programs can be found in 19 countries and 48 U.S. states. Learn more at www.wildlifehc.org. 

WHC and SP Release Pollution Prevention Resources for Auto Industry, Supported by the US EPA

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Resources customized to automakers support the implementation
of nature-based solutions 

Bethesda, MD, October 29, 2024 – WHC (Wildlife Habitat Council) and Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) have released a suite of resources focused on the use of nature-based solutions (NbS) to prevent pollution in the automotive industry. These resources were made possible through funding from the EPA Region 4 Source Reduction Assistance (SRA) Grant Program, which supports pollution prevention across the southeastern region of the U.S. 

“The use of NbS is of increasing interest to corporations and these solutions are not only well-suited to prevent pollution, but they also uplift biodiversity and promote community well-being,” said Margaret O’Gorman, President, WHC.  “With our partner SP, we are proud to support automakers in their nature-positive journey by offering a host of tools that provide digestible and useful information about NbS.” 

Informed by a 2022 workshop with representatives from various automotive manufacturing and supply companies, WHC and SP developed various tools to support the implementation of NbS to address pollution in the auto industry, including: 

  • White paper comprised of real-world case studies illustrates how automakers are utilizing NbS around the world to prevent pollution.  
  • Detailed report examining various NbS by category, including details about the costs, benefits and challenges associated with each solution.  
  • Decision tree accompanying the report to assist companies in determining the most effective NbS based on site, pollution prevention needs, budget, operational phase and other factors. 

“Companies in the automotive industry are continually seeking new opportunities to improve environmental performance by implementing pollution prevention projects,” said Kellen Mahoney, Director of SP. “We are proud to be able to collaborate with WHC to support automakers and suppliers in their pollution prevention efforts by supplying these easy-to-use resources that can help answer their questions about the emerging area of nature-based solutions.’ 

The resources produced through this EPA grant are available for free at: https://tandemglobal.org/nature-based-solutions-for-pollution-prevention/ 

About SP 

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) provides a forum for global automotive manufacturers and their large and small suppliers to work together toward a shared vision of an automotive industry with positive environmental impact. Learn more at www.supplierspartnership.org/ 

About WHC 

WHC has been working at the nexus of business and biodiversity for 35 years and is the only international NGO focused exclusively on enabling private sector action for nature. WHC builds strategies and frameworks for companies to integrate nature with climate, equity and engagement to support sustainable ecosystems and healthy communities. WHC’s corporate members represent some of the leading national and multinational corporations. WHC-certified programs can be found in 19 countries and 48 U.S. states. Learn more at www.wildlifehc.org.