People & Lifestyle
LIXIL Updates Environmental Strategy to Enhance Positive Impact on the Planet and Society
LIXIL Corporation , maker of pioneering water and housing products, today announced its updated Environmental Strategy. The strategy outlines how LIXIL will tackle key environmental issues – climate change mitigation and adaptation, water sustainability, and contributing to the realization of a circular economy.
In each of these three focus areas, the updated strategy sets out new mid-term targets across LIXIL’s operations, value chain and beyond, to expand the positive impact the company is having on environmental and social issues of the world. The company’s approach extends beyond the mitigation of risks and adaptation, but throughout its value chain; leveraging its expertise to change the way people live, today and tomorrow.
Kinya Seto, President and CEO of LIXIL said: “As a purpose-driven organization, LIXIL is embedding ESG activities and commitments into our core business strategy, to ensure that we are having a positive impact and to strengthen our business over the long-term. Our updated environmental strategy is central to this approach, ensuring that we are aligned across our business to important environmental commitments, but also because it will allow us to capture new opportunities and manage risks.”
Demonstrating the company’s strengthened commitment to accelerate efforts for sustainable business practices from operations and in collaboration with business partners, LIXIL recently marked its third consecutive year on the Supplier Engagement Leaderboard and Water Security A List by the CDP, one of the founding partners of the SBTi.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Buildings accounts for around 28% of energy related CO2 emissions of which housing accounts for 17%. Energy efficiency and high-performance housing is an urgent issue to be tackled¹.
LIXIL has renewed its certification from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in line with its targets to cap global temperature increase at 1.5ºC compared to pre-industrial temperatures. Aligned with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, LIXIL has set approved targets in June 2022 for absolute GHG emissions reductions – from previously 30% to 50.4% for Scope 1&2 and 15% to 30% for Scope 3 by the fiscal year ending March 2031 from the fiscal year ended March 2019 base year2, 3.
In Japan, heating, cooling, and hot water account for about 60% of the energy consumed by the average home⁴.
Improving the efficiency of housing insulation can greatly reduce CO2 emissions, but yet 90% of existing homes in Japan failing to meet current national energy-efficiency standards and conserving energy through home insulation is a key Japanese government policy⁵. In addition to Scope 1-3 targets, by FYE2026 LIXIL’s window product line-up ratio will become 100% high-performance for newly constructed homes and will continue to enhance technologies for improved energy efficiency, replacing existing windows and housing products in response to the growing renovation market.
Additionally, by the FYE 2031, faucets and toilets will also be 100% energy- and water-saving in Japan.
LIXIL is introducing functional yet efficient solutions for end-users to reduce consumption of energy in both new and existing homes, driving impact for LIXIL and the environment – contributing to mitigation by enhancing the line-up of high-performance windows, doors and construction methods, and by energy saving water technologies such as faucets and toilets; while offering solutions such as shades, shutters, and storm doors designed to alleviate the effects of rising temperatures and heavy rainfall for adaptation.
Water Sustainability
By 2050, an estimated 40% of the world’s population, will suffer from severe water depravation⁶. As the world’s leading water technology provider, LIXIL has set new targets that are focused on the social and environmental sustainability of water for future generations that are supported by its efforts to reduce, reuse, filter and improve accessibility to safer or better tasting water.
LIXIL will improve water use efficiency by 20% in its operations by FYE2031 and will reduce water usage at water-scarce business sites in accordance with TNFD. Optimizing water usage and using water responsibly at production sites, LIXIL will ramp up its efforts to recycle water and reduce its water footprint in its operations needed for manufacturing.
Through water efficient products and solutions, LIXIL can enable consumers to use water more efficiently and responsibly, reducing daily consumption. LIXIL’s water saving toilet and faucet products, and smart water controllers targets to reduce a total of 2billion cubic meters of water per year by FYE2025, globally.
Better homes also need clean and safe water – for showering, washing hands, or drinking. LIXIL is helping to enable safer water for consumers and communities to tackle contamination by providing product solutions and promoting behavior change. With a proven track-record of providing innovative solutions and partnerships for impact, LIXIL is also committed to advocating for more effective and responsible water policies: working with partners and developing culturally and geographically relevant solutions, joining the conversation on water issues such as scarcity, efficiency, safety and reuse.
The approach targets to expand its impact by access to safer water and water services, and improving quality for better tasting water through its filtration technology.
Circular Economy
With the world’s growing population, global consumption is expected to double by 2050⁷.Today, construction-related sectors consume nearly half of the world’s extracted resources. Resource efficiency and innovation of circular solutions are imperative for sustainable growth, and LIXIL has set targets that contribute to the world and industry.
Updated targets include recycling 90% of waste from operations by FYE2026 globally, improving efficiency. Across the value chain, LIXIL has set enterprise-level targets to reduce single-use plastics used for packaging, increase resource efficient products and solutions, building take-back systems for product to product use; supported by repairing, resale or leasing services to ensure products can be used longer. By rethinking conventional processes, LIXIL aims to minimize the amount of waste produced, promote reuse or recycling.
Efficient use for a variety of raw materials have also been sought throughout the years, driving innovation. LIXIL’s GROHE brand has steadily increased products with Cradle to Cradle certification over the years and released EPDs (Environment Product Declarations) for 18 product groups that cover 777 products. In Japan, the EcoLeaf label certified PremiAL extruded profiles made from 70% recycled aluminum launched in December 2022. Leading the industry with recycling efforts that span over two decades, PremiAL is spearheading the company’s new target of using 100% recycled aluminum in its products by FYE2031.
LIXIL’s circular material, revia promotes the reuse of plastic waste that has almost doubled over the last twenty years. Largely comprised of single-use plastics, plastic waste represents an urgent and growing environmental issue around the world. This innovation aims to create an ecosystem that spans procurement to production, sales, installation and collection, establishing a sustainable business model, and targets to contribute to the reduction of plastic waste, that will also result in less CO₂ emissions and plastic pollution that are harmful to land, water and society.
Uchu Mukai, Chief Technology Officer and Chair of the Environmental Strategy Committee said “With the updated Environment Strategy we want to reduce our CO2 targets by evaluating our total emissions, including Scope 1, 2, and 3, protect water – one of the most precious resources – and focus on circular solutions that can have a positive impact on our planet; aiming at waste reduction from our facilities, resource efficiency, circularity throughout our products along the value chain. With the addition of Biodiversity as an interconnecting material issue, we believe that this strategy is an important step forward in addressing challenges and to have a positive impact on our business and the environment.”
When it comes to buying a gift for that special woman in your life, there are various options you can consider. However, one of the most popular gifts is an item of jewellery. This is something that is not only stunning and sentimental but also a gift that they can treasure for years to come or even pass down to younger generations.
Of course, there are lots of different options you can choose from when it comes to jewelry gifts, from a stunning ring to a beautiful bracelet. Another popular option is to buy your loved one a gorgeous necklace, which makes an incredible gift. You can choose from a range of precious metals and stones to ensure you choose the perfect one for her. In this article, we will provide some tips on choosing the perfect necklace for your loved one.
Some Things to Consider
There are a few tips that can make it easier for you to find the ideal necklace for your partner. Some of the key things to look at are:
Find a Reputable Jewellery Store
One thing you need to do when it comes to finding the perfect necklace is to find a reputable jewelry store. This can help to make your purchasing experience far easier, and it means that you can enjoy everything from a great range of options to expert advice from professionals. So, do your research and look for a jewelry store with a solid reputation, affordable pricing, and quality jewelry items. It is worth checking out reviews of the store you are considering using, as this will give you a much better idea of what to expect.
Consider Your Budget
Another thing you need to do is to consider your budget. Take some time to work out what you can afford to spend on the necklace, as you can then focus on items that are within your price range. Of course, the cost of necklaces can vary based on the style, materials, and even the jewelry store you use. Make sure you get quality at an affordable price rather than just going for the cheapest necklace you can find.
Think About Material Preferences
You also need to think about the materials used for the necklace to ensure you invest in something your loved one will adore. So, think about the types of precious stones she tends to wear and also what sort of precious metal she favors. You can enjoy all sorts of options these days, so you can find the perfect necklace for her. Also, think about things such as the pendant size she is likely to prefer so you can make the perfect choice.
Find the Perfect Necklace for Your Loved One
By taking the above tips on board, you can more easily find the perfect necklace for your loved one. There are options for all occasions, which means that with a little research, you can find the ideal gift.
Optimizing your Instagram profile for business enhances brand visibility and engagement. You can use Instagram as a potent business tool by strategically refining profile elements, creating compelling content, and engaging effectively with your audience.
Many wonder, “How to Optimize Your Instagram Profile for Business?” To succeed, refine your bio, visuals, and engagement strategies. Maximize visibility, attract your target audience, and foster meaningful interactions to meet business goals.
This guide outlines essential strategies and best practices for crafting an Instagram profile authentically representing your brand. It aims to captivate and retain your audience, ensuring your business thrives with impactful interactions well into 2024 and beyond.
Tips To Optimize Your Business’s Instagram Account
In the fast-paced digital outlook of 2024, leveraging Instagram for business isn’t just about posting pretty pictures. It’s about crafting a strategic presence that attracts followers, engages them meaningfully, and converts them into loyal customers. For those looking to expand their reach further, understanding how to buy Instagram followers effectively can complement these efforts.
Here are comprehensive tips on optimizing your Instagram profile to maximize your business impact.
1. Choose a Strategic Username and Profile Picture
Your username should ideally be your business name or something closely related, making it easy for users to find and remember you. Avoid complex usernames or obscure abbreviations that could confuse potential followers. Your profile picture should be your logo or a recognizable symbol associated with your brand, ensuring instant brand recognition.
2. Prepare an Engaging Bio
Your bio is prime real estate on Instagram. Use it to convey what your business is about clearly and compellingly. Include relevant keywords that describe your products or services to improve discoverability through search. Use emojis sparingly to add personality and break up text, but avoid overusing them, which can detract from your message.
3. Utilize Highlights Effectively
Instagram Highlights allow you to showcase important aspects of your business or products directly on your profile. Create categories that resonate with your audience, such as “Products,” “Behind the Scenes,” “Customer Reviews,” or “Tutorials.” Keep these Highlights updated and organized to provide visitors with a comprehensive overview of what your business offers.
4. Optimize Your Link
The link in your bio is your primary call-to-action (CTA) on Instagram. Direct users to your website, online store, latest blog post, or a specific landing page relevant to your current marketing campaigns. Use tools like link shorteners or landing page builders to track clicks and optimize your conversion rates.
5. Create Consistent and High-Quality Content
Content is king on Instagram. Develop a content strategy that aligns with your brand identity and resonates with your target audience. Use a mix of photos, videos, carousels, and Stories to keep your feed dynamic and engaging. Maintain a consistent posting schedule to stay top-of-mind with your followers and utilize Instagram Insights to understand which content performs best.
6. Engage with Your Audience
Instagram is a social platform, so engagement is vital to building relationships with your audience. Respond promptly to comments, direct messages, and mentions. Encourage conversations by asking questions, running polls, or hosting Q&A sessions in your Stories. Show appreciation for user-generated content by reposting and tagging the original creators. To further boost your presence, consider strategic methods like purchasing Instagram followers, which can amplify your reach and visibility.
7. Utilize Instagram Shopping Features
If you sell products, take advantage of Instagram Shopping to create a seamless shopping experience for your followers—tag products in your posts and Stories, allowing users to purchase directly from your Instagram profile. Ensure your product descriptions are clear and include relevant pricing, sizes, and availability information.
8. Collaborate with Influencers and Partners
Influencer marketing remains a powerful tool for expanding your reach on Instagram. Identify influencers or brand ambassadors whose values align with yours and collaborate on sponsored posts, giveaways, or co-created content. Partnering with complementary businesses for cross-promotions can also introduce your brand to new audiences.
9. Monitor Analytics and Adjust Strategies
Monitor Instagram Insights regularly to track metrics such as engagement rate, follower growth, and content performance. Analyze which posts resonate most with your audience and adjust your content strategy accordingly. Experiment with different types of content, posting times, and CTAs to optimize your results and achieve your business objectives.
10. Stay Updated with Trends and Features
Instagram frequently updates its features and algorithms, impacting how content is discovered and engaged. Follow industry experts, attend webinars, or participate in online communities to stay informed about new trends, updates, and best practices. Adapt your strategy to leverage these changes and maintain a competitive edge.
11. Collaborating with Influencers and Partners
Partnering with influencers or complementary businesses can expose your brand to new audiences. Choose collaborators whose values align with your brand’s ethos. Collaborative posts and shoutouts can significantly increase visibility and credibility.
12. Promoting Your Instagram Profile
Cross-promote your Instagram profile across other social media platforms, websites, email newsletters, and offline channels like business cards or packaging. Encourage customers to follow you on Instagram for exclusive content or promotions.
13. Monitoring Competitors
Keep an eye on your competitors’ Instagram profiles. Analyze their content strategies, engagement tactics, and follower growth. Learn from their successes and failures to stay ahead in your industry.
14. Staying Updated with Instagram Trends
Instagram regularly introduces new features and updates its algorithms. Stay informed about these changes and adapt your strategy accordingly. Embrace trends like live video, IGTV, or new interactive stickers to keep your content fresh and engaging.
15. Adhering to Brand Guidelines
Maintain brand consistency in all aspects of your Instagram presence. Use a consistent color palette, fonts, and tone of voice in your visuals and captions. This helps reinforce your brand identity and makes your profile easily recognizable.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively optimize your Instagram profile for business in 2024. Successful Instagram marketing requires creativity, consistency, and strategic planning tailored to your target audience and business goals. Continuously refine your approach based on analytics and feedback to drive sustainable growth and engagement on the platform.
Final Take: How To Use Instagram For Business?
To maximize Instagram for business, plan your profile setup and content strategy strategically. Ensure your bio and profile reflect your brand identity. Create compelling visual content that resonates with your audience and creatively showcases your products or services.
Engagement is critical; regularly interact with your followers through comments, likes, and direct messages. Use Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV to diversify your content and reach broader audiences. Utilize hashtags strategically to increase discoverability and join relevant conversations in your industry.
Stay adaptable to new features and trends on Instagram to maintain relevance and engage your audience effectively. Monitor analytics regularly to understand what content performs best and adjust your strategy accordingly.
By consistently and authentically implementing these steps, you can harness Instagram’s potential as a powerful business tool. It allows you to grow your brand presence, drive sales, and effectively achieve your business objectives in 2024 and beyond.
Today, Meta announced the availability of two new monetization features for eligible creators in Ghana & Nigeria. In-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels, will enable creators to earn money for crafting original videos and cultivating community.
Commenting on the rollout, Moon Baz, Global Partnerships Lead, Africa, Middle East and Turkey (AMET) at Meta said: “Everyday, we’re inspired by the incredible African creators who use Facebook to tell their stories, connect with others and bring people together. This expansion will empower eligible creators in the vibrant creative industry across Nigeria and Ghana to earn money, whilst setting the bar high for creativity across the world and making Meta’s family of apps the one-stop-shop for all creators.”
Facebook In-stream Ads & Ads on Facebook Reels
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In-stream Ads can play before, during or after on-demand videos, whether it’s pre-recorded content or when publishing a recording of a previous live stream. Types of In-stream Ads include Pre-roll Ads (which play before a video starts,), Mid-roll Ads (which play during videos), Image Ads (static image ads that display beneath the content) and Post-roll Ads (ads which appear at the end of videos).
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Ads on Facebook Reels integrate seamlessly into original Reels, enabling creators to get paid based on the performance of their original reels while entertaining fans.
Available from today, eligible Creators in Nigeria and Ghana will be able to earn money for their video and reels content, with support in over 30 languages globally. To use either product, creators must pass and remain compliant with Facebook’s Partner Monetisation Policies and Content Monetisation Policies, and they must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, for in-stream ads creators must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a minimum of 5,000 followers.
People & Lifestyle
will.i.am Reveals RAiDiO.FYI, Introduces A New Wave in Interactive Music, Talk, and Culture Programming
FYI, a pioneer in creative technology solutions today announced the introduction of RAiDiO.FYI, a new conversational AI platform that turns the airwaves into interactive media via a new dimension of connection to music, talk radio, and cultural content.
Putting the Ai into RAiDiO and STAiTioN, RAiDiO.FYI is ready to transform the industry, busting through the walls of traditional one-way media limitations. Every listener can now be an active participant, as well as a creator of their own station that refreshes dynamically as fast as the web, exploring passions and interests on a much deeper level.
The reveal of RAiDiO.FYI took place at the Grammy Museum during a Q&A discussion, “Black Music Past, Present and Future and the Impact of Technology” between will.i.am, Founder & CEO of FYI and Harvey Mason jr., CEO of The Recording Academy.
Powered by FYI, RAiDiO.FYI is evolving broadcasting into hyper-casting, bringing information to life, inviting people to chat with their radio stations, to interrupt anytime to ask the station questions about the music, the stories behind the beats, and delve deeper into the news, sports, culture, fashion, etc. Curated channels featuring exclusive content will be available across a range of interests, elevating every listener into an active participant in a living info-verse.
FYI Founder & CEO will.i.am comments about creating RAiDiO.FYI:
“I came up with the concept of RAiDiO because of my love and passion for music and tech. Traditional radio is tech – it’s spectrum and broadband. AI is the New Tech and with this new form of voice computing, we can reimagine how people engage with information and entertainment. In an ultra-interactive engaging way, RAiDiO allows the listener to flow as deep as they want as the world unfolds, and vibe with the music in the most dynamic way imaginable.”
RAiDiO.FYI Key Features:
AI Personas: will help listeners curate the news, collecting and delivering the information they crave in real time. Choose from a variety of AI personas, unique voices that reflect culture, from the streets of South Los Angeles to the pulsing Latin neighborhoods of Miami, to the underground clubs of East London.
Creators: FYI partners with content creators to curate and publish stations with the latest and freshest news from culture, sports, tech, politics and more.
Customized Stations: artists, brand and events can now have bespoke stations with curated content and information.
Personalization: Listeners can customize their own radio stations by curating specific news and topics they want to listen to, providing a deeply personalized experience
Comm-Versations: A fusion of conversations and commerce, listeners will soon be able to interact with customized ads that act as a personal concierge.
RAiDiO.FYI will be available in summer, 2024 on the FYI app. To learn more about programming and discover unique content, visit FYI.AI or download the FYI app today.
Rolling Stone, the award-winning global authority on music, politics and more, is proud to announce the launch of Rolling Stone Africa in partnership with MWANKOM Group, a platform dedicated to championing quality Afro content. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as Rolling Stone expands its footprint in Africa with a commitment to celebrating the exceptional voices and impacting and shaping culture right now.
“Expanding Rolling Stone’s presence in Africa has been a long-term goal of ours. We’re thrilled that our platform can be part of the rich music scene, culture and stories that define the continent,” says Gus Wenner, CEO of Rolling Stone. “We look forward to working with MWANKOM and fostering global connections through the universal language of music.”
MWANKOM stands as a platform that embodies the extraordinary and enriching voice of Africa and its global diaspora. Our mission is to intricately explore the crossroads of culture, business, technology, and media, offering insightful analysis, engaging commentary, and exclusive interviews with industry leaders. MWANKOM is dedicated to becoming a leading provider of quality content championing Afro content and culture across the diaspora.
Rolling Stone is renowned for its deep insights and fearless editorial stance in coverage of music, politics, entertainment, and popular culture. MWANKOM is poised to align and support the Rolling Stone mission by offering inclusive coverage of the same integrity across Africa’s culture, business, and technology landscape.
“Rooted in a rich multicultural heritage, our journey has been defined by a strong commitment to collaborating with trailblazing entrepreneurs from Africa and its global diaspora across various sectors,” says D. Romuald Bellegarde-Smeralda, CEO & Founder of MWANKOM. “This passion propels us to forge meaningful partnerships and transform remarkable visions into reality. Our partnership with Rolling Stone is one such example, and a recognition of the influence of Afro-Culture today. With well over 1 billion people, and a global diaspora of over 500 million; including a large percentage between the ages of 18-30 years old, we understand the task as Rolling Stone Africa, a team of young and accomplished professionals all originating from the continent, to represent such diversity. We look forward to connecting those success stories from Africa with the rest of the world via the Rolling Stone Africa brand.”
MWANKOM’s diverse content portfolio reflects the multifaceted Afro experience and endeavours to elevate and celebrate Afro stories in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide. MWANKOM’s ultimate objective is positively impacting Africa by supporting educational projects and young entrepreneurs leveraging the global Afro diaspora.
MWANKOM’s headquarters will be based in Lagos, Nigeria, where the majority of the Rolling Stone Africa team will operate from. Rolling Stone Africa is set to launch its digital edition on July 1st, featuring an exclusive cover story with a yet-to-be-revealed trailblazer from the continent.
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Nicole Asinugo as our Editor-in-Chief. A Nigerian managing editor, screenwriter, producer, and storyteller, Nicole brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the African narrative to Rolling Stone Africa.
Additionally, we are in the process of filling other senior positions to further strengthen our team.
People & Lifestyle
European Reggae Star Miriam Simone to Make Debut Visit to Ghana: Empowering Women & Children Through Music
Tips on Choosing the Perfect Necklace for Your Loved One
How To Optimize Your Instagram Profile For Business?
Meta Rolls out In-Stream Ads & Ads on Facebook Reels across Nigeria & Ghana
will.i.am Reveals RAiDiO.FYI, Introduces A New Wave in Interactive Music, Talk, and Culture Programming
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