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RALEIGH, N.C., May 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Highwoods Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HIW) has been selected as a 2022 Green Lease Leader today by The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Building’s Alliance.

Launched in 2014, Green Lease Leaders set national standards for what constitutes a green lease, while recognizing landlords and customers who modernize their leases to spur collaborative action on energy efficiency, cost-savings, air quality and sustainability in buildings. The Company has achieved Silver Recognition for our efforts to actively create resilient portfolios that support customers and communities to prosper and achieve together what they cannot apart. To receive this recognition, Highwoods qualified for credits in energy efficiency and sustainability best practices such as utility data tracking and sharing, cost recovery for capital improvements and sustainability training.

Ted Klinck, President and CEO, stated, “We are pleased to announce our Green Lease Leader recognition. For us, ESG is not a separate initiative. It is part of our mission to build a resilient and enduring business that delivers long-term value for our shareholders and stakeholders. We believe doing our part in building resilient communities that strengthen the connection between people and the places we share is core to our work-placemaking business. We are proud of the progress we have made and look forward to building on our achievements in the years ahead.”

Highwoods previously published its 2021 Corporate Resiliency Report, which highlights the Company’s ESG initiatives. A copy of the report can be accessed on the Company’s website at www.highwoods.com or by clicking the link below.

HIW 2021 Corporate Resiliency Report

About Highwoods
Highwoods Properties, Inc., headquartered in Raleigh, is a publicly-traded (NYSE:HIW) real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The Company is a fully-integrated office REIT that owns, develops, acquires, leases and manages properties primarily in the best business districts (BBDs) of Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Richmond and Tampa.  For more information about Highwoods, please visit our website at www.highwoods.com.

Contact:		Brendan Maiorana
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		brendan.maiorana@highwoods.com
		919-872-4924

        

OTTAWA, May 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Climate anxiety amongst youth is at an all-time high. A recent survey of 10,000 youth (aged 16-25) revealed that 75% think their future is frightening when asked about climate change. In response, Canada’s Forest Trust has doubled down on its engagement with youth across Canada with a $250,000 Scholarship Program and the launch of its School Smart Forest program.

Kickstarting the $250,000 Scholarship Program is a nationwide call-out to students to create a 30-second TikTok-inspired video answering the question: Why a Forest and Not a Tree?

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10caf794-010c-461d-a577-23af2324d6c7

Applications open May 17 and end June 7, 2022. Students are invited to submit as individuals or groups and encouraged to involve their friends, teachers, family members and communities in an innovative, scroll-stopping video.

Chair of CFT’s Education Advisory Board and former Chair of The Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), Tam Matthews, expressed, “These initiatives provide a meaningful way for youth across Canada to pursue an education and engage in activities that will help foster a generation of climate-active leaders and decision-makers.”

Dubbed “From Fructose to Forest,” CFT’s School Smart Forest program offers the opportunity to positively impact the climate and empower youth leadership, raise funds for school initiatives while building and protecting forests across Canada - at zero cost. Students' path to taking climate action in Canada is changing and CFT's programs are powering that change.

Canada's Forest Trust (CFT) is a leading ESG company that offers a nature-based solution to getting to net-zero by building Smart Forests™. With proprietary tools and in collaboration with Forest Stewards (businesses, schools, organizations, communities, and individuals), CFT is on a path to procure, prepare, plant, preserve and protect millions of acres of forests around the world. CFT will sequester tens of millions of tonnes of carbon. Our Forever Forest Guarantee ensures that every forest built by CFT undergoes expert management, reporting and monitoring, and silviculture maintenance. Smart Forests sequester CO2, rehabilitate ecosystems, learn from Indigenous land knowledge keepers, and boost the green economy. Smart Forests are smart investments.

Media inquiries: Taylor Piotrowski, Marketing & Communications Manager at taylor.piotrowski@canadasforesttrust.ca

The proprietary technology expedites the approval process so most clients receive up to 100% financing for solar panels in less than 48 business hours with no dealer fee

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Climate First Bank, the world’s first FDIC-insured community bank founded to fight the climate crisis, today officially launches its digital solar lending platform. Accessible at https://apply.climatefirstbank.com/solar-loan, the experience makes it quick and easy for Florida residents to apply for specialized solar energy financing anytime and anywhere with absolutely no dealer fee. The expedited process – aided by a simplified online application process and real time approvals – makes it so most clients can get approved for up to 100% financing with no money down in less than 48 business hours. The first 100 loans generated via the platform will receive a special promotion of 3.99% APR** for 25 years with zero dealer fee.

Deceptive solar energy loan financiers lure in clients by boasting of low interest-rate loans with exceptionally low payments but there is a catch – undisclosed dealer fees that amount to more than 25% of the total cost of the system. These hidden fees are charged to the solar panel installer and then passed down to the consumer, resulting in a larger total cost. For example, a $30,000 solar energy system could mean up to $7,500 in undisclosed fees. This means a $30,000 system could cost $37,500. Not only does this negatively impact the client, but it affects the whole solar loan industry, as those looking to do good for the planet are dissuaded by predatory practices and unfair expenses.

Partnering with the top solar installers in the nation, Climate First Bank’s CTO Marcio DeOliveira developed this proprietary technology to bring transparency and openness to solar energy financing. In addition to a low monthly payment option, clients can fully prepay their loan at any time with absolutely no prepayment penalty or fee and keep their 26% tax credit. Any payments made in addition to the contractual monthly payment will be applied towards a reduction in the principal balance of the loan.

“Now with a few clicks, clients can increase their property values, drastically reduce or even eliminate costs and save the planet all by investing in renewable solar energy,” said Ken LaRoe, founder and CEO of Climate First Bank. “I wish something this simple existed when I was putting solar on my house.”

“Our robust tool is the next step forward for sustainable lending, making it easy for anyone who wants to stick a solar panel on top of their roof,” said President of Climate First Bank, Lex Ford. “Thanks to our transparent solar financing, consumers can purchase a solar energy system with no undisclosed surcharges or fees. Clients, installers and the planet alike all win with this new platform.”

Climate First Bank is interested in partnering with Florida’s top-tier residential and commercial solar PV installers. Those looking to participate in the loan program and become a preferred partner can check out https://apply.climatefirstbank.com/solar-installers. Benefits include a dedicated personal banker, fast approvals, fast processing, 50% payment at project commencement and 50% payment at project completion.

**Annual Percentage Rate. APR current as of 5/17/2022. Loan subject to approval – Example based on 25-year $50,000 Amount Financed; 4 interest-only payments; 296 principal & interest payments of $265.84 with 3.94% simple interest rate.

About Climate First Bank
Climate First Bank is a values-based community bank offering a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products. These products are powered by high technology to meet the expectations of today’s consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. Member FDIC.

Media Contact
Ericka Rivera
Uproar PR for Climate First Bank
erivera@uproarpr.com

WESTCHESTER, Ill., May 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to the food manufacturing industry, today released its 2021 sustainability report, titled “Making Life Better.” The report details the Company's progress against its 2030 global sustainability goals to address important societal and environmental sustainability challenges that will help to shape a brighter future for society, business, and the planet measured against three key pillars—Everyday Life, Planet Life, and Connected Life.

"As a purpose and values-driven Company, we are focused on creating a sustainable future and I am pleased that our sustainability progress continues to drive environmental improvements within our communities for our customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders,” said Jim Zallie, Ingredion's president and chief executive officer. “I am proud of the commitment from our 12,000 global Ingredion employees who have shown their dedication and teamwork in support of our sustainability plan as we drive meaningful change through our practices that are focused on generating a positive, lasting impact in the communities where we live and work.”

ABOUT INGREDION
Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in more than 120 countries. With 2021 annual net sales of nearly $7 billion, the Company turns grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing and industrial markets. With Ingredion Idea Labs^® innovation centers located around the world and more than 12,000 employees, the Company co-creates with customers and fulfills its purpose of bringing the potential of people, nature, and technology together to make life better. Visit ingredion.com for more information and the latest Company news.

CONTACTS:
Investors: Jason Payant, 708-551-2584
Media: Becca Hary, 708-551-2602

Reinforcing Its Commitment to a Safer, Cleaner and More Reliable Energy Future

HOUSTON, May 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinetik Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: KNTK) (“Kinetik” or the “Company”) today published its Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework (“Framework”), which links its Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) commitments to the Company’s broader financing strategy.

“Together with our upcoming Sustainability Report to be released this summer, today’s announcement strengthens our commitment to positively impact climate change and build an even more diverse and inclusive culture in our workplace,” said Jamie Welch, President and CEO. “We strongly believe that integrating sustainability initiatives into our business decisions and financing strategy is essential to creating value for our stakeholders and is quite simply good business. These measures accelerate our move towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while also advancing our overall commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.”

The Framework outlines the principles Kinetik would follow in connection with the issuance of Sustainability-Linked Financing instruments, including Sustainability-Linked Bonds, Sustainability-Linked Loans or any other Sustainability-Linked instruments.

The following key performance indicators (“KPIs”) have been selected to measure progress against Kinetik’s environmental and social sustainability performance targets (“SPTs”):

1. Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) Emissions Intensity
2. Methane Emissions Intensity
3. Female Representation in Corporate Officer Positions

These KPIs provide transparency and ensure meaningful progress is made towards Kinetik’s SPTs, which align with Kinetik’s long-term ESG initiatives and commitments. The designated SPTs are as follows:

1. Reduce GHG emissions intensity by 35% by 2030, relative to the 2021 baseline.
2. Reduce methane emissions intensity by 30% by 2030, relative to the 2021 baseline.
3. Increase female representation in corporate officer positions to 20% by year end 2026.

The Framework and SPTs demonstrate Kinetik’s commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, support the Global Methane Pledge and champion women in the workplace.

Kinetik obtained an independent second party opinion (“SPO”) from ISS ESG on the Framework and has confirmed its alignment with the International Capital Markets Association’s Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles and Loan Syndications & Trading Association’s Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles.

“We are proud of Kinetik’s achievements to date in emissions reductions and will continue to adopt and develop best practices to ensure future success,” said Matt Wall, COO. “We believe Kinetik has an integral role to play in addressing climate change and we recognize that we are uniquely positioned to drive progress within our industry. Transportation is a critical component in the energy value chain, and we aim to be a leader in reducing the emissions required to deliver natural gas to its end-markets. The goals and initiatives outlined in our Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework challenge our Company to make tomorrow’s natural gas cleaner than today’s.”

The Framework and the SPO are available below and on Kinetik’s website.

Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework 

ISS ESG SPO

Kinetik is a fully integrated, pure-play, Permian-to-Gulf Coast midstream C-corporation operating in the Delaware Basin. Kinetik is headquartered in Houston and Midland, Texas. Kinetik provides comprehensive gathering, transportation, compression, processing and treating services for companies that produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and water. Kinetik posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.kinetik.com.

Forward-looking statements

This news release includes certain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “seeks,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “prospects,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “should,” “would,” “will,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company’s future plans, expectations, and objectives for the Company’s operations, including statements about strategy, synergies, and future operations, ESG goals and initiatives, 2022 financial guidance and our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness. While forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by us that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, whether actual results and developments will meet our expectations and predictions depend on a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results, performance, and financial condition to differ materially from our expectations. See Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2022. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this news release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future development, or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Contacts

Kinetik Media: 
Jim Schwartz       
(713) 487-4838
      
Kinetik Investors:
Maddie Wagner       
(713) 487-4832
        
Website: www.kinetik.com