Author: sHq_LoGiNz

SWORDS, Irlande, May 20, 2026 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE : TT), un innovateur mondial dans le domaine du climat, a dévoilé aujourd’hui le BrainBox AI Trane Technologies Labo IA et salle de montre à Montréal, au Canada. Cette inauguration marque une nouvelle étape importante dans la stratégie de l’entreprise visant à accélérer le développement de solutions de nouvelle génération basées sur l’IA qui réduisent considérablement la consommation d’énergie et les émissions de carbone dans l’environnement bâti.

Situé dans l’un des principaux pôles d’innovation en IA au monde, ce site montréalais rassemble des chercheurs de haut niveau, des ingénieurs logiciels, des scientifiques des données et des technologues afin de façonner l’avenir du CVC autonome et de la réfrigération de transport. La salle de montre adjacente offre un environnement immersif où les clients et les visiteurs peuvent découvrir comment l’IA agentique et les modèles prédictifs sont déjà en train de redéfinir l’exploitation des bâtiments, de transformer la consommation d’énergie et de réduire les émissions à l’échelle mondiale.

« Grâce au laboratoire d’IA, nous réunissons des talents de classe mondiale et une technologie de pointe pour façonner la prochaine génération d’innovations en matière de climatisation », a déclaré Riaz Raihan, vice-président senior et directeur numérique de Trane Technologies. « La demande des clients ne cesse de croître pour des technologies qui réduisent la consommation d’énergie, les émissions et les coûts d’exploitation. Ce laboratoire d’IA de premier plan constitue une étape importante dans notre stratégie visant à fournir à grande échelle des solutions numériques et basées sur l’IA qui ont un impact significatif pour nos clients et favorisent un avenir plus durable. »

Le laboratoire d’IA, lancé en août 2025, s’appuie sur l’acquisition de BrainBox AI par Trane Technologies et renforce le leadership de l’entreprise dans l’application de l’IA pour des bâtiments et des transports frigorifiques plus intelligents et plus résilients. En tirant parti de la puissance de la collaboration ainsi que de tests et de validations rigoureux en conditions réelles, le laboratoire d’IA contribuera à accélérer le rythme auquel les découvertes révolutionnaires passent du concept à des solutions concrètes et prêtes à l’emploi pour les clients, tout en soutenant une innovation responsable et éthique en matière d’IA.

« La technologie de l’IA progresse rapidement, créant des opportunités extraordinaires pour résoudre certains des plus grands défis de l’humanité », a déclaré Jean-Simon Venne, fondateur, président et directeur de la technologie chez BrainBox AI et responsable du laboratoire. « Le laboratoire d’IA contribuera à dynamiser la collaboration, à traduire les idées en applications pratiques et à garantir que les innovations soient développées de manière responsable et durable. C’est là que les idées audacieuses peuvent avoir un impact concret. »

Le laboratoire d’IA bénéficie du soutien d’un réseau croissant de leaders technologiques et universitaires de renom, notamment AWS, IVADO et l’Université Concordia. 

Regardez l’événement de lancement

Rejoignez la diffusion en direct sur YouTube de l’événement de lancement du BrainBox AI Trane Technologies Labo IA le 20 mai 2026 à 10 h 00 (heure de l’Est) pour découvrir les perspectives des dirigeants d’entreprises, d’industries et de gouvernements qui façonnent l’avenir de l’innovation climatique. Une rediffusion sera disponible après l’événement.

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À propos de Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies est un innovateur mondial dans le domaine de la climatisation. Grâce à nos marques stratégiques Trane® et Thermo King®, ainsi qu’à notre gamme de produits et services respectueux de l’environnement, nous proposons des solutions de climatisation efficaces et durables pour les bâtiments, les habitations et les transports. Pour en savoir plus sur Trane Technologies, rendez-vous sur www.tranetechnologies.com.
 

Déclarations prospectives
Ce communiqué de presse contient des « déclarations prospectives » au sens des lois sur les valeurs mobilières, c’est-à-dire des déclarations qui ne constituent pas des faits historiques, y compris des déclarations relatives aux initiatives d’innovation en IA de la société et aux avantages attendus du BrainBox AI Trane Technologies Labo IA et des technologies associées. Ces déclarations prospectives sont fondées sur nos attentes actuelles et sont soumises à des risques et incertitudes, qui pourraient entraîner des résultats réels sensiblement différents de nos attentes actuelles.

Les facteurs susceptibles d’entraîner de telles différences figurent dans notre formulaire 10-K pour l’exercice clos le 31 décembre 2025, ainsi que dans nos rapports ultérieurs sur le formulaire 10-Q et dans d’autres documents déposés auprès de la SEC. De nouveaux risques et incertitudes apparaissent de temps à autre, et il nous est impossible de prédire ces événements ou la manière dont ils pourraient affecter la Société. Nous n’assumons aucune obligation de mettre à jour ces déclarations prospectives.

by Allison Stowell

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Perimenopause and menopause have become a more open and widely discussed life stage, with many women seeking practical, evidence-based guidance and support. Declining estrogen, the marker of this transition, influences a woman’s health in several ways that go beyond hot flashes. (That’s not to say hot flashes aren’t impactful, and there are some helpful tips to manage them below.) With the right approach and guidance, health outcomes can improve and menopausal symptoms can lessen.

Bone Health

Bone is active tissue that is constantly regenerating, and estrogen is a key player in this. When women are in their teens and twenties, the rate of bone growth outpaces the rate of decline. This means bones are strong and mineralize well. However, with the start of perimenopause, and declining estrogen, this balance shifts. The rate of growth slows, and bone mineralization lessens. The result is an increased risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Women over 50 should consume at least 1200mg of calcium per day (1000mg for women under 50). Engaging in weight-bearing exercises (like walking and yoga) also support better bone health.

Muscle Health

With aging, women naturally begin to lose muscle mass, increasing risk of sarcopenia (declining muscle mass and strength). The rate of loss increases as estrogen declines in perimenopause/menopause. This means that if women aren’t working to sustain (and hopefully build) muscle mass, they’re losing it. Muscle mass decline leads to general weakness, worsens balance, and increases risk of falling. It also makes it harder to maintain the same body weight because less muscle contributes to slower metabolism. This is far from ideal at a time when there is already an unfavorable metabolic shift. As a result, it’s so important for women to consistently strength train and support their activity with adequate protein.

Cardiovascular Health

Declining estrogen changes our heart health picture. Women may see a negative change in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cardiovascular risk also increases if you gain weight or don’t maintain an active lifestyle. It’s well known that diet plays a significant role in heart disease prevention. And this has always been a marker of the Guiding Stars guidance program. Choose Guiding Stars-earning foods to ensure your diet is low in saturated fat, trans fats, and sodium. These are three key attributes that could increase your risk of heart disease.

Diabetes Risk

Menopause also impacts carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar control, which increases risk for insulin resistance and type two diabetes. And this potential grows if a woman experiences declining muscle mass or weight gain. A nutritious diet low in added sugar, as recommended by Guiding Stars, is a great idea. Regular physical activity, which assists with blood sugar control, is also very beneficial.

Managing Menopause Symptoms

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms vary and can be quite impactful on daily living. For example, changes in body temperature are very common. One way to regulate body temperature is to consume cooling, hydrating produce like cucumbers, watermelon, celery, and leafy greens. To lessen hot flashes, avoid caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol. Research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet can also significantly lessen hot flashes and night sweats. This includes fewer processed foods, limited sugar, lower fats, and an emphasis on soy-based protein and phytoestrogens. Lastly, mediation, yoga, and regular physical activity are key to lowering stress and improving mental health.

Looking for more support? Join Allison Stowell, RD, Guiding Stars Dietitian and Retail Dietitian for Hannaford Supermarket for a free online class—Women’s Health: Hot Flashes & Cool Meals. All classes are live and feature an interactive Q&A with the host dietitian. Learn more and register here.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

Image by Freepik

by Allison Stowell

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Perimenopause and menopause have become a more open and widely discussed life stage, with many women seeking practical, evidence-based guidance and support. Declining estrogen, the marker of this transition, influences a woman’s health in several ways that go beyond hot flashes. (That’s not to say hot flashes aren’t impactful, and there are some helpful tips to manage them below.) With the right approach and guidance, health outcomes can improve and menopausal symptoms can lessen.

Bone Health

Bone is active tissue that is constantly regenerating, and estrogen is a key player in this. When women are in their teens and twenties, the rate of bone growth outpaces the rate of decline. This means bones are strong and mineralize well. However, with the start of perimenopause, and declining estrogen, this balance shifts. The rate of growth slows, and bone mineralization lessens. The result is an increased risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Women over 50 should consume at least 1200mg of calcium per day (1000mg for women under 50). Engaging in weight-bearing exercises (like walking and yoga) also support better bone health.

Muscle Health

With aging, women naturally begin to lose muscle mass, increasing risk of sarcopenia (declining muscle mass and strength). The rate of loss increases as estrogen declines in perimenopause/menopause. This means that if women aren’t working to sustain (and hopefully build) muscle mass, they’re losing it. Muscle mass decline leads to general weakness, worsens balance, and increases risk of falling. It also makes it harder to maintain the same body weight because less muscle contributes to slower metabolism. This is far from ideal at a time when there is already an unfavorable metabolic shift. As a result, it’s so important for women to consistently strength train and support their activity with adequate protein.

Cardiovascular Health

Declining estrogen changes our heart health picture. Women may see a negative change in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cardiovascular risk also increases if you gain weight or don’t maintain an active lifestyle. It’s well known that diet plays a significant role in heart disease prevention. And this has always been a marker of the Guiding Stars guidance program. Choose Guiding Stars-earning foods to ensure your diet is low in saturated fat, trans fats, and sodium. These are three key attributes that could increase your risk of heart disease.

Diabetes Risk

Menopause also impacts carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar control, which increases risk for insulin resistance and type two diabetes. And this potential grows if a woman experiences declining muscle mass or weight gain. A nutritious diet low in added sugar, as recommended by Guiding Stars, is a great idea. Regular physical activity, which assists with blood sugar control, is also very beneficial.

Managing Menopause Symptoms

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms vary and can be quite impactful on daily living. For example, changes in body temperature are very common. One way to regulate body temperature is to consume cooling, hydrating produce like cucumbers, watermelon, celery, and leafy greens. To lessen hot flashes, avoid caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol. Research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet can also significantly lessen hot flashes and night sweats. This includes fewer processed foods, limited sugar, lower fats, and an emphasis on soy-based protein and phytoestrogens. Lastly, mediation, yoga, and regular physical activity are key to lowering stress and improving mental health.

Looking for more support? Join Allison Stowell, RD, Guiding Stars Dietitian and Retail Dietitian for Hannaford Supermarket for a free online class—Women’s Health: Hot Flashes & Cool Meals. All classes are live and feature an interactive Q&A with the host dietitian. Learn more and register here.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

Image by Freepik

AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., May 20, 2026 /3BL/ – The global regulatory landscape for sustainability reporting and corporate due diligence is becoming increasingly complex as governments worldwide continue shifting from voluntary guidance to mandatory requirements. To help companies in the consumer goods value chain navigate these developments, Cascale has released a new 2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation Report, analyzing the most relevant adopted and emerging laws related to human rights and environmental due diligence and sustainability reporting.

The report examines 21 legislations across Europe, the United States, the broader Americas, and Asia-Pacific, offering companies a region-by-region overview of current and upcoming obligations. It also identifies where the Higg Index suite of tools may help companies strengthen data, governance systems, and performance measurement practices that are increasingly expected by regulators, investors, business partners, and consumers.

Key Takeaways

• New report analyzes 21 sustainability reporting and due diligence legislations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
• The report outlines where the Higg Index may help companies prepare for evolving regulatory expectations.
• Analysis highlights growing momentum toward mandatory due diligence, climate disclosures, and transparent sustainability reporting.
• Guidance is designed for apparel, footwear, and adjacent consumer goods companies navigating increasingly complex global requirements.
• Report identifies where legislation aligns with Cascale’s strategic pillars on decent work, climate action, purchasing practices, and environmental performance.

Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Regulatory Environment

While some regulatory frameworks have narrowed in scope in recent years, including revisions to the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the broader global trajectory continues toward greater transparency, more rigorous sustainability disclosures, and stronger due diligence obligations.

At the same time, countries including Canada, Australia, and jurisdictions across the United States and Asia-Pacific continue strengthening climate reporting, human rights due diligence, and supply chain transparency requirements, often aligning with international standards such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct.

For companies operating global value chains, these changes are creating growing pressure to understand not only what is mandatory today, but also where regulation is heading and how expectations differ across markets.

“The regulatory landscape is no longer moving in one direction — we’re seeing the EU narrow parts of CSRD and CSDDD at the same time as markets like Canada, Australia, and parts of Asia-Pacific continue strengthening sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. That creates a genuinely complex operating environment for companies managing global value chains,” said Gabriele Ballero, manager, public affairs, Cascale. “What this report makes clear is that companies cannot approach this through fragmented, jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction compliance strategies alone. The real challenge is building governance systems, data capabilities, and due diligence practices that work across multiple frameworks at once. Companies that invest early in that kind of operational readiness will be far better positioned to absorb what’s coming next.”

Supporting Readiness Through Credible Data

The report emphasizes that while the Higg Index tools are not compliance instruments, they may help companies access credible, standardized, and scalable data that supports preparedness for emerging legal obligations and broader sustainability strategies.

The analysis maps legislative requirements against relevant sections of the Higg Index, helping companies identify where they may already have access to information that can support due diligence processes, risk assessments, governance practices, environmental performance tracking, and sustainability disclosures.

“Companies increasingly need robust data that can support both operational improvements and external disclosure expectations,” said Maravillas Rodriguez Zarco, vice president, tools & data, Cascale. “By helping organizations connect regulatory expectations with practical implementation tools, this report highlights how standardized approaches and credible data systems can support continuous improvement across complex global value chains.”

Key Findings Across Global Markets

The report identifies several major trends shaping the future of corporate sustainability regulation:

• Mandatory due diligence obligations are expanding globally, with growing expectations for companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and address risks across their value chains.
• Climate disclosure requirements are becoming more detailed, standardized, and enforceable, with many markets aligning with TCFD and IFRS S2 frameworks.
• Even where legislative thresholds have narrowed, stakeholder expectations for transparent environmental, social, and governance data remain high.
• Companies investing early in structured governance systems, data collection, and continuous improvement processes are likely to be better positioned for future regulatory requirements.

The report also assesses how legislation aligns with Cascale’s strategic pillars and core areas of work, including fair purchasing practices, streamlined audits, supply chain decarbonization, and foundational environmental performance.

Helping the Industry Prepare for What’s Next

Designed for both Cascale members and non-members, the report serves as a practical reference guide for apparel, footwear, textiles, and adjacent consumer goods companies seeking to better understand evolving sustainability obligations across jurisdictions.

The report also clarifies that the Higg Index overlap assessment is intended to identify where relevant information may exist within the tools and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee compliance.

“Asia-Pacific is home to some of the most complex and critical nodes in global apparel and footwear supply chains, and the regional regulatory landscape is becoming significantly more demanding. Major markets, including Japan and several others, are adopting mandatory climate disclosure frameworks aligned with TCFD and ISSB standards like IFRS S2 — and that’s just one part of a broader shift. What we’re hearing from members across regions is that policy ambition needs to be matched with practical implementation pathways, ” said Howard Kwong, senior manager, public affairs APAC, Cascale. “The direction is clear worldwide: expectations for transparency, accountability, and measurable sustainability performance continue to grow. Companies that begin strengthening governance, data systems, and risk-based due diligence practices now will be better equipped to respond — wherever they operate.”

About the Report

Cascale’s 2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation Report focuses on adopted and mandatory legislation, or legislation expected to become mandatory in the near future, related to sustainability reporting and human rights and environmental due diligence. Legislative proposals, voluntary frameworks, and international guidelines are referenced separately to provide additional context.

The analysis focuses primarily on apparel, footwear, textiles, and adjacent consumer goods sectors, where the Higg Index is most established, while also recognizing broader relevance across global value chains.

Media Contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering pre-competitive collaboration to combat climate change and support decent work in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale stewards and governs the Higg Index frameworks, modules, and methodologies, while Worldly delivers the technology platform through which they are implemented globally. Cascale also recently acquired the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., May 20, 2026 /3BL/ – The global regulatory landscape for sustainability reporting and corporate due diligence is becoming increasingly complex as governments worldwide continue shifting from voluntary guidance to mandatory requirements. To help companies in the consumer goods value chain navigate these developments, Cascale has released a new 2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation Report, analyzing the most relevant adopted and emerging laws related to human rights and environmental due diligence and sustainability reporting.

The report examines 21 legislations across Europe, the United States, the broader Americas, and Asia-Pacific, offering companies a region-by-region overview of current and upcoming obligations. It also identifies where the Higg Index suite of tools may help companies strengthen data, governance systems, and performance measurement practices that are increasingly expected by regulators, investors, business partners, and consumers.

Key Takeaways

• New report analyzes 21 sustainability reporting and due diligence legislations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
• The report outlines where the Higg Index may help companies prepare for evolving regulatory expectations.
• Analysis highlights growing momentum toward mandatory due diligence, climate disclosures, and transparent sustainability reporting.
• Guidance is designed for apparel, footwear, and adjacent consumer goods companies navigating increasingly complex global requirements.
• Report identifies where legislation aligns with Cascale’s strategic pillars on decent work, climate action, purchasing practices, and environmental performance.

Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Regulatory Environment

While some regulatory frameworks have narrowed in scope in recent years, including revisions to the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the broader global trajectory continues toward greater transparency, more rigorous sustainability disclosures, and stronger due diligence obligations.

At the same time, countries including Canada, Australia, and jurisdictions across the United States and Asia-Pacific continue strengthening climate reporting, human rights due diligence, and supply chain transparency requirements, often aligning with international standards such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct.

For companies operating global value chains, these changes are creating growing pressure to understand not only what is mandatory today, but also where regulation is heading and how expectations differ across markets.

“The regulatory landscape is no longer moving in one direction — we’re seeing the EU narrow parts of CSRD and CSDDD at the same time as markets like Canada, Australia, and parts of Asia-Pacific continue strengthening sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. That creates a genuinely complex operating environment for companies managing global value chains,” said Gabriele Ballero, manager, public affairs, Cascale. “What this report makes clear is that companies cannot approach this through fragmented, jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction compliance strategies alone. The real challenge is building governance systems, data capabilities, and due diligence practices that work across multiple frameworks at once. Companies that invest early in that kind of operational readiness will be far better positioned to absorb what’s coming next.”

Supporting Readiness Through Credible Data

The report emphasizes that while the Higg Index tools are not compliance instruments, they may help companies access credible, standardized, and scalable data that supports preparedness for emerging legal obligations and broader sustainability strategies.

The analysis maps legislative requirements against relevant sections of the Higg Index, helping companies identify where they may already have access to information that can support due diligence processes, risk assessments, governance practices, environmental performance tracking, and sustainability disclosures.

“Companies increasingly need robust data that can support both operational improvements and external disclosure expectations,” said Maravillas Rodriguez Zarco, vice president, tools & data, Cascale. “By helping organizations connect regulatory expectations with practical implementation tools, this report highlights how standardized approaches and credible data systems can support continuous improvement across complex global value chains.”

Key Findings Across Global Markets

The report identifies several major trends shaping the future of corporate sustainability regulation:

• Mandatory due diligence obligations are expanding globally, with growing expectations for companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and address risks across their value chains.
• Climate disclosure requirements are becoming more detailed, standardized, and enforceable, with many markets aligning with TCFD and IFRS S2 frameworks.
• Even where legislative thresholds have narrowed, stakeholder expectations for transparent environmental, social, and governance data remain high.
• Companies investing early in structured governance systems, data collection, and continuous improvement processes are likely to be better positioned for future regulatory requirements.

The report also assesses how legislation aligns with Cascale’s strategic pillars and core areas of work, including fair purchasing practices, streamlined audits, supply chain decarbonization, and foundational environmental performance.

Helping the Industry Prepare for What’s Next

Designed for both Cascale members and non-members, the report serves as a practical reference guide for apparel, footwear, textiles, and adjacent consumer goods companies seeking to better understand evolving sustainability obligations across jurisdictions.

The report also clarifies that the Higg Index overlap assessment is intended to identify where relevant information may exist within the tools and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee compliance.

“Asia-Pacific is home to some of the most complex and critical nodes in global apparel and footwear supply chains, and the regional regulatory landscape is becoming significantly more demanding. Major markets, including Japan and several others, are adopting mandatory climate disclosure frameworks aligned with TCFD and ISSB standards like IFRS S2 — and that’s just one part of a broader shift. What we’re hearing from members across regions is that policy ambition needs to be matched with practical implementation pathways, ” said Howard Kwong, senior manager, public affairs APAC, Cascale. “The direction is clear worldwide: expectations for transparency, accountability, and measurable sustainability performance continue to grow. Companies that begin strengthening governance, data systems, and risk-based due diligence practices now will be better equipped to respond — wherever they operate.”

About the Report

Cascale’s 2026 Global Due Diligence and Sustainability Reporting Legislation Report focuses on adopted and mandatory legislation, or legislation expected to become mandatory in the near future, related to sustainability reporting and human rights and environmental due diligence. Legislative proposals, voluntary frameworks, and international guidelines are referenced separately to provide additional context.

The analysis focuses primarily on apparel, footwear, textiles, and adjacent consumer goods sectors, where the Higg Index is most established, while also recognizing broader relevance across global value chains.

Media Contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering pre-competitive collaboration to combat climate change and support decent work in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale stewards and governs the Higg Index frameworks, modules, and methodologies, while Worldly delivers the technology platform through which they are implemented globally. Cascale also recently acquired the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

When it comes to running a successful business, many people think it’s a simple matter of offering a product or service customers are willing to spend money on and generating profits. Those who run businesses will tell you it’s much more nuanced. If you really want to succeed, you need to have a plan for managing every aspect of your operations, especially your finances.

This is particularly true for small business owners who want to grow. Growth, whether purchasing a building, expanding operations, buying equipment, or opening a second location, eventually requires capital that goes beyond what cash flow alone can support.

Having the ability to access credit when your business is growing can be the difference between staying stagnant and moving forward. One of the most powerful and often misunderstood resources to do this is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Common SBA loan options for growing businesses

When exploring a credit facility for business growth, talk with a banker. SBA loans are not issued by the federal government directly. They are made by participating banks and lenders and, with the exception of the 504 loan, partially guaranteed by the SBA. This reduces risk for these banks and lenders and helps some businesses qualify for financing they might not otherwise obtain. KeyBank offers SBA loan amounts up to $5 million. KeyBank has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender for more than 20 years¹.

Understanding how SBA loans work, and how to prepare for them, can significantly improve a business owner’s chances of loan application approval. For business owners looking to grow through expansion or real estate ownership, two SBA loan programs are particularly relevant: SBA 7(a) Loans and SBA 504 Loans.

The SBA 7(a) program is the most flexible and widely used SBA loan. It can be used for a broad range of business needs, including:

• Real Estate: Purchasing, constructing, or renovating owner-occupied commercial buildings and land.
• Working Capital: Managing day-to-day operations, inventory, and short-term cash flow needs.
• Equipment: Purchasing or installing new or used machinery, equipment, furniture, and fixtures.
• Business Acquisitions: Financing the purchase of an existing business or partnership buyouts.
• Debt Refinancing: Refinancing existing business debt to improve cash flow.

When real estate is included, loan terms may extend up to 25 years, helping to keep monthly payments manageable. This flexibility makes the 7(a) loan well‑suited for businesses that need a single financing solution to support multiple growth objectives at once.

The SBA 504 program is designed specifically for long‑term, fixed‑asset investments, such as buying or constructing commercial property or purchasing major equipment. These loans typically offer long repayment terms and fixed interest rates, which can provide predictability for growing businesses. The 504 program is commonly used when a company wants to transition from leasing space to owning its own facility, helping stabilize occupancy costs while building long‑term equity.

Both the SBA 7(a) and 504 programs require the business to occupy a majority of the commercial space being financed, reinforcing the SBA’s mission of supporting operating businesses rather than real estate speculation.

Why SBA loans matter for local economic growth
From an economic development perspective, SBA loans play an important role in strengthening local communities. When small businesses invest in property, expand their workforce, or modernize operations, the impact extends well beyond the business itself. These investments support job creation, stabilize neighborhoods, and contribute to the overall vitality of regional economies, particularly in rural and small‑town markets.

For business owners, SBA financing can also provide a path to greater financial resilience. Owning a building rather than leasing space can protect against rent volatility, while longer loan terms can free up cash flow for hiring, marketing, and innovation.

How to position your business for SBA loan success

While SBA loans are designed to improve access to capital, they are still credit products that require preparation and discipline. Lenders look for evidence that a business is well‑managed, financially sound, and capable of repaying the loan.

1. Know the numbers. Business owners should have at least two to three years of financial statements readily available, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. Lenders want to see consistent revenue, reasonable margins, and enough cash flow to support debt repayment.
2. Prepare a clear business plan. A strong business plan explains how the loan will be used and how it supports growth. For real estate purchases, this includes explaining why ownership makes sense for the business, how the space will be used, and how the investment supports long‑term operations.
3. Maintain strong personal and business credit. Personal credit is a financial resource. Lenders will look at an owner’s personal credit history when they consider extending a loan or a line of credit to a business. Know what your credit score is, and if necessary, talk with your bank about taking it from good to excellent.
4. Build a professional support network. Accountants, attorneys, and SBA‑experienced lenders can all play critical roles in structuring a successful loan application. Their insight can help anticipate questions, avoid pitfalls, and ensure the financing aligns with the business’s growth strategy.

Also, be prepared to invest alongside the lender. In fact, SBA loans typically require an equity contribution from the borrower. Demonstrating a willingness to invest personal or business capital into the project signals commitment and reduces risk.

Planning today for tomorrow’s growth
SBA loans are not a quick fix, but for businesses thinking strategically about growth, they can be a powerful tool. By understanding available loan options and preparing thoughtfully in advance, small business owners may be able to position themselves to access capital that supports expansion, stability, and long‑term success.

For communities across the nation, thoughtful use of SBA financing helps ensure that local businesses remain competitive, resilient, and deeply rooted in the places they serve.

About the author: James Fliss is Senior Vice President, National SBA Manager for KeyBank. He can be reached at james_fliss@keybank.com.

¹Source: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) KeyBank has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender since August, 1997

This is designed to provide general information only. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and subject to change. ©2026 KeyCorp. All rights reserved. CFMA #260513-4464028 

When it comes to running a successful business, many people think it’s a simple matter of offering a product or service customers are willing to spend money on and generating profits. Those who run businesses will tell you it’s much more nuanced. If you really want to succeed, you need to have a plan for managing every aspect of your operations, especially your finances.

This is particularly true for small business owners who want to grow. Growth, whether purchasing a building, expanding operations, buying equipment, or opening a second location, eventually requires capital that goes beyond what cash flow alone can support.

Having the ability to access credit when your business is growing can be the difference between staying stagnant and moving forward. One of the most powerful and often misunderstood resources to do this is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Common SBA loan options for growing businesses

When exploring a credit facility for business growth, talk with a banker. SBA loans are not issued by the federal government directly. They are made by participating banks and lenders and, with the exception of the 504 loan, partially guaranteed by the SBA. This reduces risk for these banks and lenders and helps some businesses qualify for financing they might not otherwise obtain. KeyBank offers SBA loan amounts up to $5 million. KeyBank has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender for more than 20 years¹.

Understanding how SBA loans work, and how to prepare for them, can significantly improve a business owner’s chances of loan application approval. For business owners looking to grow through expansion or real estate ownership, two SBA loan programs are particularly relevant: SBA 7(a) Loans and SBA 504 Loans.

The SBA 7(a) program is the most flexible and widely used SBA loan. It can be used for a broad range of business needs, including:

• Real Estate: Purchasing, constructing, or renovating owner-occupied commercial buildings and land.
• Working Capital: Managing day-to-day operations, inventory, and short-term cash flow needs.
• Equipment: Purchasing or installing new or used machinery, equipment, furniture, and fixtures.
• Business Acquisitions: Financing the purchase of an existing business or partnership buyouts.
• Debt Refinancing: Refinancing existing business debt to improve cash flow.

When real estate is included, loan terms may extend up to 25 years, helping to keep monthly payments manageable. This flexibility makes the 7(a) loan well‑suited for businesses that need a single financing solution to support multiple growth objectives at once.

The SBA 504 program is designed specifically for long‑term, fixed‑asset investments, such as buying or constructing commercial property or purchasing major equipment. These loans typically offer long repayment terms and fixed interest rates, which can provide predictability for growing businesses. The 504 program is commonly used when a company wants to transition from leasing space to owning its own facility, helping stabilize occupancy costs while building long‑term equity.

Both the SBA 7(a) and 504 programs require the business to occupy a majority of the commercial space being financed, reinforcing the SBA’s mission of supporting operating businesses rather than real estate speculation.

Why SBA loans matter for local economic growth
From an economic development perspective, SBA loans play an important role in strengthening local communities. When small businesses invest in property, expand their workforce, or modernize operations, the impact extends well beyond the business itself. These investments support job creation, stabilize neighborhoods, and contribute to the overall vitality of regional economies, particularly in rural and small‑town markets.

For business owners, SBA financing can also provide a path to greater financial resilience. Owning a building rather than leasing space can protect against rent volatility, while longer loan terms can free up cash flow for hiring, marketing, and innovation.

How to position your business for SBA loan success

While SBA loans are designed to improve access to capital, they are still credit products that require preparation and discipline. Lenders look for evidence that a business is well‑managed, financially sound, and capable of repaying the loan.

1. Know the numbers. Business owners should have at least two to three years of financial statements readily available, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. Lenders want to see consistent revenue, reasonable margins, and enough cash flow to support debt repayment.
2. Prepare a clear business plan. A strong business plan explains how the loan will be used and how it supports growth. For real estate purchases, this includes explaining why ownership makes sense for the business, how the space will be used, and how the investment supports long‑term operations.
3. Maintain strong personal and business credit. Personal credit is a financial resource. Lenders will look at an owner’s personal credit history when they consider extending a loan or a line of credit to a business. Know what your credit score is, and if necessary, talk with your bank about taking it from good to excellent.
4. Build a professional support network. Accountants, attorneys, and SBA‑experienced lenders can all play critical roles in structuring a successful loan application. Their insight can help anticipate questions, avoid pitfalls, and ensure the financing aligns with the business’s growth strategy.

Also, be prepared to invest alongside the lender. In fact, SBA loans typically require an equity contribution from the borrower. Demonstrating a willingness to invest personal or business capital into the project signals commitment and reduces risk.

Planning today for tomorrow’s growth
SBA loans are not a quick fix, but for businesses thinking strategically about growth, they can be a powerful tool. By understanding available loan options and preparing thoughtfully in advance, small business owners may be able to position themselves to access capital that supports expansion, stability, and long‑term success.

For communities across the nation, thoughtful use of SBA financing helps ensure that local businesses remain competitive, resilient, and deeply rooted in the places they serve.

About the author: James Fliss is Senior Vice President, National SBA Manager for KeyBank. He can be reached at james_fliss@keybank.com.

¹Source: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) KeyBank has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender since August, 1997

This is designed to provide general information only. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and subject to change. ©2026 KeyCorp. All rights reserved. CFMA #260513-4464028 

ANTWERP, Belgium, May 20, 2026 /3BL/ – DP World, a global provider of logistics and supply chain solutions, has donated a storage container to support the HydroTeam KU Leuven student team in their bid to produce a hydrogen-powered race car for Le Mans 2030.

The container, provided by DP World’s Antwerp Gateway terminal, enhances the team’s infrastructure, providing a safe and efficient working environment for the development of their hydrogen car.

HydroTeam KU Leuven is a multidisciplinary 60-strong student team that, with the support of academic and industry partners, is working on the development of Belgium’s first hydrogen race car, contributing to innovation in sustainable vehicles.

DP World is exploring hydrogen technologies as part of the future energy mix for heavy transport and port operations, supporting efforts to reduce emissions across its network.

Eight members of the team dedicate a full year to the project and work on it daily to bring the car closer to Le Mans. The other 52 students combine their involvement with their studies and come from various academic years. Most of the students are finishing their bachelor’s or master’s degree and will soon be entering the job market.

The team, established only two years ago, aims to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2030. A dedicated hydrogen class is expected to open in 2029. In the years leading up to this, HydroTeam KU Leuven plan to participate in smaller, local races such as Belcar, gradually progressing to larger and longer endurance races to prepare for Le Mans.

As the project increases in complexity, so does the need for a well-organised and safe workshop. Thanks to the container provided by DP World, the team can store its materials securely and organise equipment more effectively.

Warre Debois, Safety Lead at HydroTeam, said: “For a team like ours, a well-equipped and safe working environment is essential. When working on an ambitious project such as a hydrogen race car, safety must always come first. Thanks to DP World’s support, we can further professionalise our workshop and organise our operations in a safe and structured way. We are very grateful for their support.

“This year, our focus is on integrating new components and fully completing our prototype race car. At the same time, we are preparing for the next phase, as we will begin building a new car that we plan to enter in its first race in the summer of 2027. In the following years, we aim to compete in more races learning as we go on, before building the final car for Le Mans 2030.”

Edi Cioran, CEO of DP World Antwerp Gateway, said: “As a company committed to sustainable growth, innovation and safety, we are proud to support initiatives that share these values. HydroTeam KU Leuven demonstrates how young talent can play a leading role in the technologies of tomorrow. With our support, we are making a tangible contribution that helps advance their project.”

Through its global motorsport partnerships, including the McLaren Formula 1 Team and Porsche Formula E, DP World supports innovation in high-performance environments.

To find out more about DP World’s sustainability projects see our Sustainability Strategy.

 

— ENDS —

 

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com For media enquiries, please contact:
Adal Mirza Group Vice President Adal.mirza@dpworld.com +971 50 628 7856	Hakam Kherallah Group Senior Manager Hakam.Kherallah@dpworld.com +971 50 552 2610
Follow DP World on: X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DP_World LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dp-world
About DP World DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door. DP World’s European network spans over 250 locations in more than 30 countries, including deep sea ports, inland terminals, rail hubs and warehousing facilities. Through sustained investment in infrastructure, technology and people, we support more than 26,000 jobs and enable smarter, faster and more resilient trade across the continent. Our global partnerships in golf, cricket, Formula 1 and sailing come to life across Europe – from the British Grand Prix to SailGP in Spain and the Turkish Open to name a few. These platforms allow us to demonstrate how logistics powers performance, connects communities and unlocks new possibilities.. WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

 

ANTWERP, Belgium, May 20, 2026 /3BL/ – DP World, a global provider of logistics and supply chain solutions, has donated a storage container to support the HydroTeam KU Leuven student team in their bid to produce a hydrogen-powered race car for Le Mans 2030.

The container, provided by DP World’s Antwerp Gateway terminal, enhances the team’s infrastructure, providing a safe and efficient working environment for the development of their hydrogen car.

HydroTeam KU Leuven is a multidisciplinary 60-strong student team that, with the support of academic and industry partners, is working on the development of Belgium’s first hydrogen race car, contributing to innovation in sustainable vehicles.

DP World is exploring hydrogen technologies as part of the future energy mix for heavy transport and port operations, supporting efforts to reduce emissions across its network.

Eight members of the team dedicate a full year to the project and work on it daily to bring the car closer to Le Mans. The other 52 students combine their involvement with their studies and come from various academic years. Most of the students are finishing their bachelor’s or master’s degree and will soon be entering the job market.

The team, established only two years ago, aims to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2030. A dedicated hydrogen class is expected to open in 2029. In the years leading up to this, HydroTeam KU Leuven plan to participate in smaller, local races such as Belcar, gradually progressing to larger and longer endurance races to prepare for Le Mans.

As the project increases in complexity, so does the need for a well-organised and safe workshop. Thanks to the container provided by DP World, the team can store its materials securely and organise equipment more effectively.

Warre Debois, Safety Lead at HydroTeam, said: “For a team like ours, a well-equipped and safe working environment is essential. When working on an ambitious project such as a hydrogen race car, safety must always come first. Thanks to DP World’s support, we can further professionalise our workshop and organise our operations in a safe and structured way. We are very grateful for their support.

“This year, our focus is on integrating new components and fully completing our prototype race car. At the same time, we are preparing for the next phase, as we will begin building a new car that we plan to enter in its first race in the summer of 2027. In the following years, we aim to compete in more races learning as we go on, before building the final car for Le Mans 2030.”

Edi Cioran, CEO of DP World Antwerp Gateway, said: “As a company committed to sustainable growth, innovation and safety, we are proud to support initiatives that share these values. HydroTeam KU Leuven demonstrates how young talent can play a leading role in the technologies of tomorrow. With our support, we are making a tangible contribution that helps advance their project.”

Through its global motorsport partnerships, including the McLaren Formula 1 Team and Porsche Formula E, DP World supports innovation in high-performance environments.

To find out more about DP World’s sustainability projects see our Sustainability Strategy.

 

— ENDS —

 

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com For media enquiries, please contact:
Adal Mirza Group Vice President Adal.mirza@dpworld.com +971 50 628 7856	Hakam Kherallah Group Senior Manager Hakam.Kherallah@dpworld.com +971 50 552 2610
Follow DP World on: X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DP_World LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dp-world
About DP World DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door. DP World’s European network spans over 250 locations in more than 30 countries, including deep sea ports, inland terminals, rail hubs and warehousing facilities. Through sustained investment in infrastructure, technology and people, we support more than 26,000 jobs and enable smarter, faster and more resilient trade across the continent. Our global partnerships in golf, cricket, Formula 1 and sailing come to life across Europe – from the British Grand Prix to SailGP in Spain and the Turkish Open to name a few. These platforms allow us to demonstrate how logistics powers performance, connects communities and unlocks new possibilities.. WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

 

Key takeaways

• Trusted data is a business requirement. Sustainability data cannot live apart from finance, risk, and governance if companies want to stand behind their claims with confidence.
• AI only adds value when it is grounded in governance. Speed is useful, but trusted outcomes depend on connected, controlled, and traceable data, supported by human judgment and strong oversight.
• Sustainability is more than a compliance checkbox. When companies manage sustainability with the same discipline as financial performance and engage across the enterprise to understand a company’s underlying sustainability ecosystem, it strengthens transparency, resilience, and long-term decision-making.

In 2025, the mandate for business leaders changed. Geopolitical uncertainty and the rapid adoption of AI exposed enterprise-wide data gaps with real consequences: delayed operational decisions, regulatory fines, legal exposure, and declining investor confidence. Data clarity became a top-tier business risk. For sustainability leaders, this means we no longer just report the numbers. We defend the integrity of our non-financial data against unprecedented regulatory and AI-driven scrutiny. And in many organizations, sustainability leaders were the first to confront this paradigm shift.

This new reality became clear to many of us while building our sustainability reports and tracking down data across our organizations. The data exists, but it lives in disconnected systems, teams, and processes. This made it hard to track progress, connect sustainability efforts to financial outcomes, and show value in a way executives and boards could actually use.

At Workiva, we know that challenge well because we see it from both sides. We work with organizations navigating these pressures every day, and we face them ourselves. We are customer #1 for our own AI-powered platform, and rely on it to manage the trustworthy data that closes the gap between what we claim, report, and actually do.

Workiva created our 2025 Sustainability Report using our sustainability management solution and Workiva AI to manage disclosures, track sustainability targets and carbon data, and accelerate preparation of our report. Our sustainability report is a practical example of how connected data, internal controls, and AI can work together to strengthen trust, improve efficiency, and support better decision-making.

Where we led in 2025

Empowering human judgment with governed AI. AI promised to solve a lot of problems for reporting practitioners. But off-the-shelf AI tools still lack the security and guardrails that reporting practitioners need to manage and analyze sensitive business data. The AI-powered Workiva platform allowed us to reduce manual effort without sacrificing oversight.

Mapping our sustainability initiatives to the UN Sustainable Development Goals could have taken hours. Using Workiva AI, our team created 17 summaries in less than 30 minutes. Every AI-generated summary was flagged for human review, which helped us preserve the nuance of our qualitative disclosures. In the end, we aligned with nine UN Sustainable Development Goals across our report and reinforced a principle that drives our innovation: AI is most useful when it is grounded in trusted data and governed workflows.

Solving the double materiality puzzle. For the first time, Workiva completed a voluntary Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)-aligned double materiality assessment (DMA). For a SaaS company, that meant looking beyond our carbon footprint—examining the impacts, risks, and opportunities tied to our workforce, business conduct, product governance, responsible AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy. It also required deeper cross-functional collaboration and understanding to connect sustainability to our broader business strategy, value chain, and financials. Getting internal teams to agree on what sustainability materiality means in practice was the real work—the platform structured the process, but the conversations still had to happen.

We completed the DMA using the CSRD capabilities in the Workiva platform. Our results are consistent with Wave 1 reports from the technology sector and provide a clearer view of the sustainability topics most relevant to our business, from both financial and impact perspectives, and serve as a foundation to anchor to as we prepare future disclosures.

Meeting the mark and setting new goals. Based on 2025 data, we are on track to or have exceeded our sustainability targets across Innovation, Environment, and People & Philanthropy. We achieved our target for customer adoption of Workiva AI and maintained operational net-zero across our value chain. We also reported an employee engagement score 91% and 71% employee participation in philanthropic programs.

Those results did more than show progress. They gave us a clearer basis for what comes next.

Sustainability is not a box-checking exercise. It is a catalyst for growth and innovation. As part of our ongoing commitment to create long-term value, we are refining our carbon and AI targets to reflect what we have learned, how our platform is evolving, and what our stakeholders increasingly expect from us. Additionally, we are broadening our People & Philanthropy targets to meet the needs of an expanding global workforce.

Shaping the future of reporting. We remained engaged with global organizations at the forefront of reporting standards, transparency, and accountability, including EFRAG, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations. Workiva was recognized as a Friend of EFRAG for both financial and sustainability reporting, the only company to receive that distinction.

What comes next

As sustainability continues to evolve, it is clear that trusted data must remain the foundation for creating long-term value. When sustainability data is connected to finance, risk, and governance, it strengthens trust and helps organizations move forward with confidence. We invite you to download and read Workiva’s 2025 Sustainability Report.