Private equity firms are well placed to drive impact at their portfolio companies on many dimensions of sustainabilityBoth general partners (GPs) and limited partners (LPs) place increasing emphasis on sustainability progress; 85% of the LPs surveyed said they expect to increase their prioritization of sustainability-related issues over the next three yearsBCG’s Second Annual Sustainability in Private Equity Report tracks the industry’s progress and path forward

BOSTON, Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the private equity (PE) industry expands its global footprint, with over $8.7 trillion in assets under management, the sector’s influence on sustainability is growing. At the same time, GPs at firms are increasingly aware of the linkage between improving sustainability metrics and commercial benefits.

Progress to date has been notable, especially in the areas of renewable energy adoption and gender diversity in the C-suite of portfolio companies. This stems in part from investor expectations, as limited partners (LPs) place growing weight on these outcomes and expect PE firms to integrate sustainability principles into their investment strategies.

These are among the findings of Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) second annual Sustainability in Private Equity report. The report draws on data from the ESG Data Convergence Initiative (EDCI), case studies from industry participants, as well as BCG’s deep Climate & Sustainability and Social Impact expertise. The data covers around 6,200 private companies held by more than 260 PE firms around the world.

“The private equity industry has demonstrated how to advance sustainability in a way that creates value, and the sector is just getting started,” said Vinay Shandal, BCG’s global head of sustainable investing and a coauthor of the report. “Private equity, with its long-term investment horizons, sophisticated owners and influence, creates the ideal context to drive these initiatives.”

Advancing Toward Net Zero, But Gaps Remain

While PE firms are making significant strides in driving sustainability across their portfolios, the journey to net zero remains a challenging endeavor. Our research found that only 22% of PE-owned companies have a decarbonization strategy in place. This figure highlights a significant gap compared to public companies, where 29% have such strategies.

However, while private companies are less likely to have a decarbonization strategy in place than public companies, those private companies that do are reducing emissions at a significantly faster rate, underscoring the power of the private equity investment model in driving impact.

Among private companies that use renewables, the median EDCI company increased its usage to 30% in 2023, up from 28% last year. In comparison, public companies saw a rise from 29% to 32% over the same period. Even more promising is the narrowing gap between private and public companies in adoption of renewables. The percentage of private companies that boosted their renewable energy usage by 25 percentage points or more rose by 2 percentage points from last year to 12%, compared to just 6% of public companies during the same period.

At the regional level, private companies in North America still lag significantly behind their European counterparts, with the median European company (including those that use no renewables at all) sourcing 22% of its energy from renewables compared to just 1% in North America, up from 0% last year.

Investor Expectations Drive a Greater Focus on Sustainability

The growing emphasis on sustainability is not only a response to global environmental challenges but also a reflection of shifting investor expectations. A recent survey of 230 members of the EDCI reveals that 70% of LPs believe companies that effectively manage sustainability issues will command a valuation premium. Moreover, 40% of LPs have dedicated funds toward climate investing, though their approaches vary significantly—ranging from investments in low-emitting sectors to supporting the grey-to-green transformations necessary for global decarbonization.

The message from LPs is clear: sustainability matters. In our survey, 85% of the LPs said they expect to increase their prioritization of sustainability-related issues over the next three years.

Progress Continues on Gender Diversity, Job Creation

Private equity continues to show progress in gender diversity and job creation. According to the report, 77% of PE-backed companies now have at least one woman in the C-suite, significantly outperforming their public counterparts, at 64%. However, private companies still lag in board-level diversity, with only 61% having women on their boards, compared to 89% in public companies.

In terms of job creation by PE-owned companies, although the pace has slowed due to broader economic pressures, private companies are still creating jobs at a higher rate than public firms. Private companies generated four net new hires per 100 full-time employees, compared to just one in public firms.

Looking Ahead: The Need for Continued Momentum

The PE industry stands at a critical juncture in its sustainability journey. There is increasing consensus on the role that integrating sustainability into strategic planning has to play in creating value and enabling impact for many portfolio companies.

“As sustainability initiatives within the industry continue to mature, better data collection and transparency will enable valuable insights for allocators, managers and portfolio companies alike,” said Ben Morley, a partner and associate director at BCG and coauthor of the report. “We see clearly in the data that the private equity industry has an important role to play in driving positive change and transforming sustainability into a competitive advantage for private equity and the companies in which the sector invests.”

Download each of the three articles that make up the report here: 
Article 1: Where Are Private Equity Firms on Their Way to Net Zero? 
Article 2: How Private Equity Firms Can Meet Investor Expectations 
Article 3: A Year of Sustainability Progress in the Private Markets 

Media Contact:
Eric Gregoire
+1 617 850 3783
gregoire.eric@bcg.com 

About Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

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SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Expert Predictions for the Upcoming Year Feature 30 Incredible Destinations and 10 Exciting Travel Trends

Best in Travel 2025 Returns With Print Edition, Immersive Video and Photography-Led Digital Experience Presented by Saily

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Lonely Planet, the global travel authority, reveals its top destinations to visit next year with the release of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025. The 15th edition of this best-selling book features 30 must-visit destinations from around the world, and for the first time, the title includes the top 10 travel trend predictions for the year ahead. In addition to the print edition, Lonely Planet also unveils a curated collection of digital and social media content, presented in partnership with new eSIM service, Saily. Travelers can stay connected and secure while traveling with Saily, with mobile data coverage in nearly all locations on Lonely Planet’s winning list.

Lonely Planet’s team of international experts, including editors, writers and other contributors from around the world curated the 30 must-see global destinations across three categories: cities, countries and regions. Each category features 10 destinations, chosen for their topicality, unique attributes and experiences, including food, history, architecture, art, vibrant local culture and natural beauty, along with their ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.

“Best in Travel 2025 is the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s annual love letter to the world. While mindful of our responsibilities and impact as travelers, we’re proud of the destinations, journeys and experiences featured here, and we are excited to share the local expertise and insight at the heart of these recommendations,” said Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s SVP, Content and Executive Editor. “Wherever you are in the world, we’re confident Best in Travel brings fresh inspiration for the year ahead.”

Known as La Ville Rose, Toulouse is named top city for its ever-expanding art scene, carefree riverside wandering and its many incontournables (unmissable things to see and do). The West African nation Cameroon tops the country list for its pristine beaches, less crowded national parks, and the variety of exciting nightlife found in its major cities. Named as the top region, Low Country and Coastal Georgia, including Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, stood out for its historical and cultural significance, striking a careful balance between acknowledging the past and embracing a better future. For passionate, off-the-beaten-path explorers, Lonely Planet recommends hiking the Jordan Trail and exploring the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Panama’s Chiriqui region.

For the 15th edition, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 provides fresh takes on new experiences in popular destinations, while also shining a light on some underappreciated locales, like Genoa, Lithuania and Switzerland’s Valais region. Pittsburgh keeps getting better, with an astoundingly refreshing food-and-drink scene and a supportive economy that draws creatives from all over, continuing the transformation of this steel town into a bustling hub of innovation and contemporary culture. In Spain, a leader in sustainable tourism practices, picturesque, Mediterranean-facing Palma de Mallorca makes the list for its off-season offerings, like a dynamic culinary scene and a highly-anticipated waterfront promenade.

Exclusive to Best in Travel 2025 is the all-new travel trends list, focused on the passion and enthusiasm driving decision-making right now. For each individual interest – like birdwatching, trains, local markets and underrated outdoor adventures – Lonely Planet names the 10 best destinations where readers can explore and experience those passions.

Available globally for purchase at shop.lonelyplanet.com, the Best in Travel 2025 hardcover book features stunning photography, local advice and insider experiences for each of the destinations on this year’s list. To accompany the print edition, travelers can check out Lonely Planet’s website and follow social media accounts to engage with interactive digital content from each of this year’s selections, including immersive video showcasing the beauty of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Genoa, Vanuatu and Armenia.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 – Complete list

Top Travel Trends for 2025

In addition to naming the 30 must-visit destinations for the upcoming year, for the first time, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 is unveiling the top ten travel trends for the year ahead. The list is accompanied by a selection of the best destinations for travelers to experience these trends in real life.

Train Hopping – From cross-continental epic voyages to slow travel branch lines, rail-based adventures are more popular than ever with contemporary travelers.Taking it Easy – Slow travel emphasizes the value of being present in the natural world, to escape from the stress and worry of an always-on digital world.Following the Music – Experience-based travel continues to resonate with music-lovers in search of iconic venues around the world.Extreme Birdwatching – Now more than ever, bird enthusiasts are planning entire vacations around viewing their favorite feathered friends.Marvelous Markets – Interest in local markets continues to soar as travelers seek sensory ways to immerse themselves in local life.What a Drag – The most spectacular drag shows in the world are celebrations of inclusivity and connection, bringing people together through artistic and human expression.Underrated Parks – Intrepid adventures are vying to find the most under-the-radar parks and reserves, reclaiming the outdoors from the masses to experience the natural world without waiting in line.Local Flavors – Eating and travel are inextricably linked, and more and more travelers are seeking out destinations where distinctive and delicious cuisine and local food culture get top-billing.Arboreal Adventures – Places known for their remarkable trees and forests are in high demand as travelers discover novel approaches to connecting with their surroundings.Best Beaches – Offering relaxation, unspoiled beauty and a connection with nature, beach vacations will always be on trend.

For more information on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025, please visit:
lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel 

To purchase Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025, please visit: shop.lonelyplanet.com 

Images can be downloaded for press use HERE.

ABOUT LONELY PLANET

Lonely Planet has been guiding travel for 50 years with a core belief that travel is for everyone. A trusted voice in travel guidance, Lonely Planet is part of the Red Ventures portfolio, and has been dedicated to providing actionable inspiration for every kind of traveler since 1973, Lonely Planet’s mission is to help more people from more backgrounds experience the joy of going places. Over the past 50 years, Lonely Planet has printed over 150 million guidebooks covering 221 countries as well as countless other titles showcasing the wonders of the world for travelers of all types. Lonely Planet reaches millions of travelers each year online and across social channels helping them unlock amazing experiences. Lonely Planet can be found on lonelyplanet.com, mobile, video, social media, and in 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks and more. 

Join Lonely Planet online at lonelyplanet.com/newsletter as well on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

ABOUT SAILY

Saily is an affordable, user-friendly, and sustainable eSIM service that helps people to manage mobile and internet connections from anywhere in the world. Saily is available in 160+ countries and offers 24/7 instant customer support, flexible plans, and global coverage. Saily was created by the experts behind NordVPN — the advanced security and privacy app. For more information: saily.com.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

Lonely Planet has partnered with Saily as its exclusive eSIM service, supporting travelers with greater utility and education as they plan their next trip. Many travelers still choose to connect to public Wi-Fi, which can be a security issue. Through new connectivity content narratives and Saily integrations across Lonely Planet’s digital experience, travelers will receive destination information, guidance, and an opportunity to purchase their eSIM in one seamless experience.

For media requests, please contact:
PR@lonelyplanet.com 

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SOURCE Lonely Planet

SHANGRAO, China, Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (“JinkoSolar” or the “Company”) (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced that it plans to release its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 before the open of U.S. markets on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

JinkoSolar’s management will host an earnings conference call on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8:30 p.m. Beijing / Hong Kong the same day).

Please register in advance of the conference using the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with participant dial-in numbers, passcode and unique access PIN by a calendar invite.

Participant Online Registration: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10042950-b7e9np.html 

It will automatically direct you to the registration page of “JinkoSolar Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call”, where you may fill in your details for RSVP.

In the 10 minutes prior to the call start time, you may use the conference access information (including dial-in number(s), passcode and unique access PIN) provided in the calendar invite that you have received following your pre-registration. 

A telephone replay of the call will be available 2 hours after the conclusion of the conference call through 23:59 U.S. Eastern Time, November 6, 2024. The dial-in details for the replay are as follows:

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of JinkoSolar’s website at http://www.jinkosolar.com.

About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to utility-scale, commercial and residential customers in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Greece and other countries and regions.

JinkoSolar had over 10 productions facilities globally, over 20 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Indonesia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, and a global sales network with sales teams in China, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Vietnam and India, as of June 30, 2024.

To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends, “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company’s operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JinkoSolar’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Ms. Stella Wang
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
Tel: +86 21-5180-8777 ext.7806
Email: ir@jinkosolar.com

Mr. Rene Vanguestaine
Christensen
Tel: + 86 178 1749 0483
Email: rene.vanguestaine@christensencomms.com

In the U.S.:

Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Christensen, Scottsdale, Arizona
Tel: +1-480-614-3004
Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

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SOURCE JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.