LOS ANGELES, February 19, 2026 /3BL/ – Global Green, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) will convene an invite-only Executive Leadership Forum at EarthX this April, bringing together senior leaders to advance a shared vision for healthier, more resilient cities. The forum will gather executives and experts from industry, academia, public health, civil society and mission-driven organizations to explore how resilient, people-centered buildings and organizational strategies can improve human health, strengthen communities and bolster resilience in the face of growing climate and societal risks.

Held on April 22, 2026, alongside EarthX in Dallas, the Executive Leadership Forum will sit at the nexus of people and communities, health and well-being, the built environment and infrastructure, sustainability, resilience, and risk reduction. Designed as an interactive, solutions-oriented exchange, the convening will focus on translating science, policy and leadership into practical action, charting a path forward for leaders who recognize the profound influence that buildings and organizational decisions have on people and cities.

“It’s an honor to host this Executive Leadership Forum and to welcome Global Green, WBCSD, and IWBI to Dallas this April,” said Trammell S. Crow, Founder, EarthX. “This convening will be a critical part of EarthX 2026, bringing the right leaders together at the right moment to accelerate practical solutions that strengthen health, resilience, and long-term value for communities.”

For business leaders, these issues are no longer peripheral: decisions about buildings, workplaces and organizational strategy now directly shape workforce performance, risk exposure, operating resilience, and long-term value creation.

“This is a pivotal moment for business to build on the leadership it has demonstrated for years,” said Bill Sisson, Executive Director of Americas, WBCSD. “As climate, physical, and social risks increasingly affect operations, assets, and workforces, companies are being called to move beyond incremental change. Forums like this help senior leaders align on practical, scalable solutions that integrate health and resilience into core business strategy—strengthening performance and long-term value at the scale the moment demands.

The Forum will feature a carefully curated group of nearly 50 senior leaders, including CEOs, sustainability and resilience executives, public health experts, real estate and infrastructure leaders, risk professionals, city and community leaders, and philanthropic and NGO partners. Through fireside conversations, expert insights and facilitated small-group dialogue, participants will surface new ideas, proven practices and practical tools to accelerate progress across sectors.

“We are seizing this opportunity to come together and align as leaders, breaking down silos to coordinate more effectively and collaborate more deeply,” said Bill Bridge, CEO, Global Green. “The challenges facing our cities demand coordinated leadership. By convening decision-makers who shape buildings, organizations and communities, we can drive outcomes that are not only ambitious, but actionable and enduring.”

Programming will include a signature fireside conversation, multi-sector panels and spotlight sessions on innovations shaping the future of healthy and resilient buildings, and interactive working sessions focused on applying best practices and overcoming barriers to implementation. The Forum will also spotlight confirmed speakers and notable participating organizations, with additional leaders to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Health is the connective tissue between human performance, corporate resilience and environmental stewardship,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “By uniting science with executive leadership, we are recognizing a fundamental truth: you cannot have resilient cities without healthy people and healthy buildings. Our mission is to move this dialogue into action, accelerating market transformation and lasting change.”

The invitation-only Executive Leadership Forum is designed to drive meaningful collaboration and tangible outcomes. A flagship result of the convening will be a special EarthX executive report, shaped by forum participants, that lays out a roadmap for healthier, more resilient cities. Serving as a call to action, the post-event report will focus on leadership priorities for healthy, resilient cities, defining critical areas for action and offering leaders across sectors a clear framework to align efforts, mobilize partnerships and accelerate solutions at scale.

Media contacts:
Global Green: amy@bigpicpr.com
WBCSD: tcalandro@purposefulstrategies.com
IWBI: media@wellcertified.com

About the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)   
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is the leading community of around 230 global businesses making sustainability performance a key driver for competitiveness. Established in 1995, WBCSD is a non-profit member-led organization that connects business leaders through all sectors and major economies, and creates the tools and frameworks to scale collective impact, drive cross-sector innovation, and shape an ambitious, enabling policy agenda. We operate from seven offices worldwide — in Geneva, New York, Chicago, Amsterdam, London, Singapore and Wuhan — enabling collaboration across value chains and geographies. Together with our members, we are rewiring economic and financial systems to support the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive, and inclusive future that creates business value.
Follow us on LinkedIn and Bluesky
www.wbcsd.org

About Global Green
Global Green is the American affiliate of Green Cross International (GCI), an international non- governmental organization founded by President Gorbachev in 1993. For nearly 30 years, Global Green has served as a recognized national leader in advancing smart solutions to climate change that improve lives and protect the planet, with the mission to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. Programmatically, Global Green works to create green cities, neighborhoods, affordable housing, and schools to protect environmental health, improve livability, create sustainable communities, and support the planet’s natural systems. In service of its mission, Global Green has partnered with over 50 organizations including local and federal governments, Fortune 100 companies, academic institutions, international groups and private foundations.

About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

View original content here.

LOS ANGELES, February 19, 2026 /3BL/ – Global Green, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) will convene an invite-only Executive Leadership Forum at EarthX this April, bringing together senior leaders to advance a shared vision for healthier, more resilient cities. The forum will gather executives and experts from industry, academia, public health, civil society and mission-driven organizations to explore how resilient, people-centered buildings and organizational strategies can improve human health, strengthen communities and bolster resilience in the face of growing climate and societal risks.

Held on April 22, 2026, alongside EarthX in Dallas, the Executive Leadership Forum will sit at the nexus of people and communities, health and well-being, the built environment and infrastructure, sustainability, resilience, and risk reduction. Designed as an interactive, solutions-oriented exchange, the convening will focus on translating science, policy and leadership into practical action, charting a path forward for leaders who recognize the profound influence that buildings and organizational decisions have on people and cities.

“It’s an honor to host this Executive Leadership Forum and to welcome Global Green, WBCSD, and IWBI to Dallas this April,” said Trammell S. Crow, Founder, EarthX. “This convening will be a critical part of EarthX 2026, bringing the right leaders together at the right moment to accelerate practical solutions that strengthen health, resilience, and long-term value for communities.”

For business leaders, these issues are no longer peripheral: decisions about buildings, workplaces and organizational strategy now directly shape workforce performance, risk exposure, operating resilience, and long-term value creation.

“This is a pivotal moment for business to build on the leadership it has demonstrated for years,” said Bill Sisson, Executive Director of Americas, WBCSD. “As climate, physical, and social risks increasingly affect operations, assets, and workforces, companies are being called to move beyond incremental change. Forums like this help senior leaders align on practical, scalable solutions that integrate health and resilience into core business strategy—strengthening performance and long-term value at the scale the moment demands.

The Forum will feature a carefully curated group of nearly 50 senior leaders, including CEOs, sustainability and resilience executives, public health experts, real estate and infrastructure leaders, risk professionals, city and community leaders, and philanthropic and NGO partners. Through fireside conversations, expert insights and facilitated small-group dialogue, participants will surface new ideas, proven practices and practical tools to accelerate progress across sectors.

“We are seizing this opportunity to come together and align as leaders, breaking down silos to coordinate more effectively and collaborate more deeply,” said Bill Bridge, CEO, Global Green. “The challenges facing our cities demand coordinated leadership. By convening decision-makers who shape buildings, organizations and communities, we can drive outcomes that are not only ambitious, but actionable and enduring.”

Programming will include a signature fireside conversation, multi-sector panels and spotlight sessions on innovations shaping the future of healthy and resilient buildings, and interactive working sessions focused on applying best practices and overcoming barriers to implementation. The Forum will also spotlight confirmed speakers and notable participating organizations, with additional leaders to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Health is the connective tissue between human performance, corporate resilience and environmental stewardship,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “By uniting science with executive leadership, we are recognizing a fundamental truth: you cannot have resilient cities without healthy people and healthy buildings. Our mission is to move this dialogue into action, accelerating market transformation and lasting change.”

The invitation-only Executive Leadership Forum is designed to drive meaningful collaboration and tangible outcomes. A flagship result of the convening will be a special EarthX executive report, shaped by forum participants, that lays out a roadmap for healthier, more resilient cities. Serving as a call to action, the post-event report will focus on leadership priorities for healthy, resilient cities, defining critical areas for action and offering leaders across sectors a clear framework to align efforts, mobilize partnerships and accelerate solutions at scale.

Media contacts:
Global Green: amy@bigpicpr.com
WBCSD: tcalandro@purposefulstrategies.com
IWBI: media@wellcertified.com

About the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)   
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is the leading community of around 230 global businesses making sustainability performance a key driver for competitiveness. Established in 1995, WBCSD is a non-profit member-led organization that connects business leaders through all sectors and major economies, and creates the tools and frameworks to scale collective impact, drive cross-sector innovation, and shape an ambitious, enabling policy agenda. We operate from seven offices worldwide — in Geneva, New York, Chicago, Amsterdam, London, Singapore and Wuhan — enabling collaboration across value chains and geographies. Together with our members, we are rewiring economic and financial systems to support the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive, and inclusive future that creates business value.
Follow us on LinkedIn and Bluesky
www.wbcsd.org

About Global Green
Global Green is the American affiliate of Green Cross International (GCI), an international non- governmental organization founded by President Gorbachev in 1993. For nearly 30 years, Global Green has served as a recognized national leader in advancing smart solutions to climate change that improve lives and protect the planet, with the mission to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. Programmatically, Global Green works to create green cities, neighborhoods, affordable housing, and schools to protect environmental health, improve livability, create sustainable communities, and support the planet’s natural systems. In service of its mission, Global Green has partnered with over 50 organizations including local and federal governments, Fortune 100 companies, academic institutions, international groups and private foundations.

About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

View original content here.

February 19, 2026 /3BL/ – Welcome to the BIER Member Spotlight series, highlighting the leaders advancing environmental sustainability across BIER member companies and the global beverage sector.

As the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable enters its 20th year, we are pleased to welcome Harriet Cullum, Global Head of Water, Agriculture and Nature Strategy at Diageo, as BIER’s 2026 Steering Committee Co-Chair, serving alongside Chair David Grant.

Harriet is the Global Head of Water, Nature and Agriculture at Diageo, leading a team of talented sustainability professionals focused on integrated strategy development and execution, in partnership with functional and market teams. This work helps drive performance toward Diageo’s Spirit of Progress plan, supporting continuous evolution in a fast-moving regulatory and societal landscape, and contributing to broader environmental and social progress.

With a career spanning environmental and social sustainability in corporates and not-for-profits in Europe and Asia Pacific, Harriet brings a strong global perspective and a deep understanding of how data, transparency and communication can accelerate meaningful change. She is a passionate advocate for sustainability and impact storytelling, and firmly believes in leveraging data to engage stakeholders and drive action.

Harriet’s systems-level approach, spanning water, agriculture, nature, and ESG performance, aligns closely with BIER’s mission to advance practical, science-based solutions through collaboration. Her experience and leadership will be a valuable asset as BIER continues to support its members in navigating complex environmental challenges and strengthening collective impact.

“I am delighted to be taking on the role of BIER Co-Chair, supporting David in his role as Chair. I am passionate about the power of industry collaboration to make progress on complex sustainability challenges, so it’s a real privilege to support the important role BIER plays in this for the beverage industry.”” ~ Harriet Cullum, Global Head of Water, Nature and Agriculture Strategy

As BIER looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, Harriet’s role as Co-Chair comes at a pivotal moment, building on two decades of industry collaboration while helping guide the organization’s next chapter of strategic evolution.

“Harriet is a thoughtful and inclusive leader with a pragmatic, systems-driven approach and a clear focus on action. That mindset will be incredibly valuable as BIER builds momentum and expands its collective impact.”~ Erica Pann, Executive Director of BIER

We are delighted to welcome Harriet into this leadership role and look forward to her contributions as BIER continues to advance environmental sustainability across the global beverage sector.

February 19, 2026 /3BL/ – Welcome to the BIER Member Spotlight series, highlighting the leaders advancing environmental sustainability across BIER member companies and the global beverage sector.

As the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable enters its 20th year, we are pleased to welcome Harriet Cullum, Global Head of Water, Agriculture and Nature Strategy at Diageo, as BIER’s 2026 Steering Committee Co-Chair, serving alongside Chair David Grant.

Harriet is the Global Head of Water, Nature and Agriculture at Diageo, leading a team of talented sustainability professionals focused on integrated strategy development and execution, in partnership with functional and market teams. This work helps drive performance toward Diageo’s Spirit of Progress plan, supporting continuous evolution in a fast-moving regulatory and societal landscape, and contributing to broader environmental and social progress.

With a career spanning environmental and social sustainability in corporates and not-for-profits in Europe and Asia Pacific, Harriet brings a strong global perspective and a deep understanding of how data, transparency and communication can accelerate meaningful change. She is a passionate advocate for sustainability and impact storytelling, and firmly believes in leveraging data to engage stakeholders and drive action.

Harriet’s systems-level approach, spanning water, agriculture, nature, and ESG performance, aligns closely with BIER’s mission to advance practical, science-based solutions through collaboration. Her experience and leadership will be a valuable asset as BIER continues to support its members in navigating complex environmental challenges and strengthening collective impact.

“I am delighted to be taking on the role of BIER Co-Chair, supporting David in his role as Chair. I am passionate about the power of industry collaboration to make progress on complex sustainability challenges, so it’s a real privilege to support the important role BIER plays in this for the beverage industry.”” ~ Harriet Cullum, Global Head of Water, Nature and Agriculture Strategy

As BIER looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, Harriet’s role as Co-Chair comes at a pivotal moment, building on two decades of industry collaboration while helping guide the organization’s next chapter of strategic evolution.

“Harriet is a thoughtful and inclusive leader with a pragmatic, systems-driven approach and a clear focus on action. That mindset will be incredibly valuable as BIER builds momentum and expands its collective impact.”~ Erica Pann, Executive Director of BIER

We are delighted to welcome Harriet into this leadership role and look forward to her contributions as BIER continues to advance environmental sustainability across the global beverage sector.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When should a child first see an orthodontist? A HelloNation article featuring Dr. Michael McClain of McClain Orthodontics in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, offers clear guidance for families across the state. The article explains that around age seven is the ideal time for an early orthodontic evaluation, allowing orthodontists to monitor developing teeth and jaw growth before more serious problems appear.

The article makes it clear that visiting an orthodontist at age seven does not mean braces will be needed right away. Early visits are often focused on education, observation, and planning. For families in Pennsylvania, this early step helps determine which issues may need future care and which concerns can simply be monitored over time.

During this stage, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The HelloNation article points out that this combination gives orthodontists insight into spacing, bite alignment, and jaw development. These evaluations can help detect potential bite problems such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites while they are still easier to manage.

Tooth crowding is another frequent concern at this age. When there is not enough room for permanent teeth to erupt properly, early planning can reduce the risk of complications later. The article explains that early detection of crowding allows orthodontists to guide jaw development or create space before the issue worsens.

Jaw growth is a central focus in pediatric orthodontics. The article explains that the upper and lower jaws do not always grow at the same rate. Early evaluations help orthodontists monitor this growth and watch for patterns that might affect bite function or facial balance.

In some cases, the orthodontist may recommend phase one treatment. This is an early and limited approach used while the child is still growing. The article explains that phase one treatment might include expanders, limited braces, or other appliances that guide jaw growth and create space. The goal is not to perfect every tooth, but to prevent more complex problems from developing.

However, not every child needs early treatment. As the HelloNation article points out, many children benefit most from regular checkups. These monitoring visits allow orthodontists to track changes and identify the best time for treatment, if it becomes necessary.

Pediatric orthodontics is often about patience and timing. The article reminds readers that teeth and jaw relationships continue to shift as children grow. Regular observation gives orthodontists the ability to step in at the right moment.

The article also addresses concerns some parents may have about pressure to begin treatment too early. In most cases, early orthodontic visits are informative, not urgent. The goal is to help families understand what may be needed in the future and to reduce any uncertainty about what lies ahead.

In Pennsylvania, early orthodontic evaluation is a routine part of preventive dental care. According to the article, these early steps give families the chance to make informed decisions about their child’s dental health and avoid surprises later.

By working with growth and development, not against it, orthodontists are able to guide treatment at the right time. Whether it involves phase one treatment or regular observation, early orthodontic visits are a simple way to support long-term dental health and confidence.

“When Should My Child Start Seeing an Orthodontist in Pennsylvania” features insights from Dr. Michael McClain, Orthodontics Expert of Williamsport, PA, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-orthodontics-expert-dr-michael-mcclain-of-williamsport-pa-answers-when-children-should-start-seeing-an-orthodontist-302692717.html

SOURCE HelloNation

WHITESTONE, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alicia Halpin is the President and Founder of NYC Disinfection Services, Inc., a New York State and New York City certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) providing public-sector facility services throughout New York City.

Since incorporating the company in April 2020, Halpin has led NYC Disinfection Services’ structured expansion across municipal and institutional contracting environments. The company operates across all five boroughs and provides janitorial services, construction support, environmental cleaning, and residential relocation services for government and commercial clients.

Under Halpin’s leadership, NYC Disinfection Services entered competitive public procurement systems and secured contracts requiring compliance with prevailing wage regulations, HUD standards, and Davis-Bacon requirements.

Halpin emphasizes systems-driven management, regulatory compliance, and workforce oversight as central pillars of the company’s operating model. NYC Disinfection Services maintains a workforce of approximately 30–40 employees and actively participates in Section 3 workforce initiatives and MWBE subcontracting engagement.

The company continues to invest in internal compliance systems, payroll oversight procedures, and regulatory training to ensure alignment with federal, state, and municipal labor standards. These compliance measures are integrated into daily operations and contract execution processes.

In 2026, Halpin directed the launch of a dedicated residential relocation division to support housing modernization and capital improvement initiatives within New York City. The expansion reflects continued operational integration within the public-sector contracting space.

“A disciplined compliance framework and structured execution are fundamental to serving government clients,” said Halpin. “Our growth strategy is deliberate, compliance-focused, and centered on operational accountability.”

Halpin holds a Master of Science degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Her professional background in regulated service industries informs the company’s structured approach to municipal contracting and workforce management.

About Alicia Halpin

Alicia Halpin is a New York-based business owner and public-sector contractor. She is the President and Founder of NYC Disinfection Services, Inc., a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise headquartered in Whitestone, New York. Halpin leads operations across janitorial services, construction support, environmental remediation, and residential relocation services, with a focus on regulatory compliance, workforce participation standards, and structured operational systems within municipal contracting environments.

Media Contact:
Alicia Halpin
President of NYC Disinfection Services
(347)326-1907
Alicia@nycdisinfection.com
Nycdisinfection.com

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alicia-halpin-strengthens-public-sector-operations-as-president-of-nyc-disinfection-services-302692367.html

SOURCE NYC Disinfection Services, Inc.

Time Most Iconic Companies logo

February 17, 2026 /3BL/ – Whirlpool Corporation has been named to TIME’s list of “America’s Most Iconic Companies,” earning a place among 250 U.S. companies recognized for their enduring influence on the fabric of American culture.

“It is an honor to be named one of the nation’s most iconic companies, especially as we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” said Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “From the company’s humble start in 1911 to the millions of American homes we serve today, our legacy is built on designing and manufacturing appliances that improve life at home. We’re proud to have started in America and stayed in America, growing for generations alongside the communities that have helped make us who we are.”

Whirlpool Corporation is the only home appliance company to be recognized as one of America’s Most Iconic Companies, which is based on an independent survey of U.S. residents who were invited to evaluate companies on recognition, cultural impact, emotional connection, and resilience.

The company’s iconic brand portfolio includes Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. Approximately 80% of the products the company sells in the U.S. are manufactured domestically, supported by more than 20,000 U.S. employees, including 14,000 manufacturing workers across 10 U.S. plants. Over the past decade, Whirlpool Corporation has invested $23 billion in American manufacturing, labor and logistics.

Click here to see TIME’s full list of America’s Most Iconic Companies.

View original content here.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2025, the company reported approximately $16 billion in annual net sales – close to 90% of which were in the Americas – 41,000 employees, and 35 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com

KeyBank, the City of Cleveland, and LISC Cleveland have taken a major step toward transforming the region’s affordable housing landscape with the groundbreaking of Walton Senior Apartments, the first of two investments launched under the Cleveland Housing Investment Fund, a new $100 million initiative designed to close long‑standing financing gaps and accelerate development across the city. This milestone marks the beginning of a series of strategic investments that will strengthen neighborhoods and create long‑term housing affordability for Cleveland residents.

A Model of Partnership Making Immediate Impact

Walton Senior Apartments represents what’s possible when public and private partners come together with a shared purpose. Developed in collaboration with Volker Development, Cuyahoga County, LISC Cleveland, and the City of Cleveland, the project demonstrates how aligned investments can address critical housing shortages while supporting seniors who want to remain rooted in their communities.

Meeting a Critical Need for Cleveland’s Older Adults

Located in the heart of the Clark‑Fulton neighborhood, the development will bring 52 new affordable homes for residents ages 55 and older. Twenty of those homes will include long‑term Section 8 Project‑Based Vouchers, ensuring deeply affordable rents for seniors living on fixed incomes. The project will help older adults maintain stability, dignity, and community connection, an essential part of aging in place.

KeyBank’s Investment in Cleveland’s Housing Future

As part of its commitment to expanding affordable housing, Key provided nearly $24 million in construction financing and Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity through its CDLI platform and Key Community Development Corporation. This investment supports more than the construction of a building—it supports opportunity, security, and a stronger future for residents who have long contributed to the community.

A Foundation for More to Come

With Walton Senior Apartments leading the way, the Cleveland Housing Investment Fund is poised to spark additional development that expands access to safe, affordable housing across the city. This groundbreaking marks the first of many projects that will help reshape Cleveland’s housing landscape for years to come.

National Leadership in Affordable Housing

Ranked the #2 affordable housing lender in the nation, KeyBank continues to invest in developments that change lives and uplift communities. Each new project is a testament to Key’s belief that housing is the foundation for healthier, stronger neighborhoods—and that supporting communities means supporting the people who call them home.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Stronger double materiality assessments emerge when stakeholder surveys are used to validate ESG priorities with real-world input.
  • A strategic survey approach helps translate diverse stakeholder perspectives into decision-ready materiality insights.
  • Well-analyzed survey data can be transformed into a materiality matrix that directly informs strategy, reporting, and governance.
  • Alignment with evolving ESG reporting requirements, including CSRD and ISSB, is reinforced through documented stakeholder input.
  • Consistent use of survey insights enables ongoing stakeholder engagement and supports long-term value creation.

Even well-intentioned businesses can benefit from deeper insight into what matters most to their stakeholders. While ESG priorities are often informed by internal expertise, direct stakeholder input helps ensure those priorities are grounded in real-world perspectives.

Incorporating surveys into a double materiality assessment (DMA) is an effective way to gather this input at scale. Surveys enable companies to systematically capture stakeholder views on both financial impacts and broader societal and environmental effects, helping to validate assumptions, identify gaps, and focus on the issues most relevant to decision-making and long-term value creation.

In this guide, we’ll examine what a materiality assessment is, then walk through how to conduct materiality assessment surveys using the following seven steps:

  1. Identify internal and external stakeholders
  2. Conduct initial stakeholder outreach
  3. Identify and prioritize what you want to measure
  4. Design your materiality survey
  5. Launch your survey and start collecting insights
  6. Analyze the insights
  7. Put insights into action

What Is a Materiality Assessment?

A double materiality assessment is a structured process used to identify and prioritize the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics that are most relevant to a company from two perspectives:

  • How sustainability issues affect the company’s financial performance
  • How the company’s activities affect society and the environment

The process combines multiple inputs, including internal expertise, risk and opportunity analysis, regulatory and peer research, and direct stakeholder engagement. Together, these elements inform a materiality matrix that visualizes priorities and guides strategy, reporting, and communications. Over time, this approach supports more focused decision-making and clearer, more credible sustainability narratives.

Surveys play a specific role within this process by fostering stakeholder engagement. They provide a scalable, consistent way to capture their perspectives and validate internal assumptions, particularly when assessing impact materiality.

How to Conduct a Materiality Assessment Survey

Understanding how to effectively design and execute materiality assessment surveys is a crucial part of a comprehensive DMA. The following steps outline how to plan, execute, and apply survey insights within the broader materiality process.

1. Identify internal and external stakeholders

Materiality assessments are most effective when they reflect a wide range of perspectives across the value chain.

Begin by identifying relevant stakeholder groups and key contacts within each group who can provide informed input. This typically includes internal stakeholders such as executive leadership, board members, regional managers, and employees, as well as external stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, trade associations, and non-governmental organizations. Including both groups helps ensure a balanced view of priorities and impacts.

2. Conduct initial stakeholder outreach

Once stakeholders have been identified, reach out early to encourage participation and set expectations.

Communicate why their perspective matters, how their input will be used, and how it will inform sustainability strategy and decision-making. Clear, concise outreach helps build trust and improve response rates once the survey is launched.

3. Identify and prioritize what you want to measure

Before designing the survey, determine which ESG topics and indicators stakeholders will evaluate.

These indicators are commonly grouped into economic, social, and environmental categories, such as financial performance, labor practices, human rights, resource use and climate impacts. Use existing internal data, preliminary stakeholder feedback, media and peer analysis, and external frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and CSRD to identify topics most relevant to your business context. This step ensures that the survey focuses on issues that are meaningful and relevant.

4. Design your materiality survey

Surveys should be structured and consistent to produce insights that can be compared, analyzed, and visualized.

A traditional survey format allows stakeholders to rate the importance and impact of each ESG topic using a numerical scale, such as 1 to 5 or 1 to 10. This provides quantitative data that can be aggregated across stakeholder groups. Optional open-text fields allow respondents to add context and qualitative insights that enrich the results.

Once the survey content is finalized, deploy it using a tool that is easy for stakeholders to access and simple for your team to analyze. Common options include dedicated sustainability software or general survey platforms such as SurveyMonkey, Alchemer, or Google Forms.

5. Launch your survey and start collecting insights

Invite stakeholders to participate by sharing the survey link and giving them a clear deadline.

Thank them for their time and explain how their input contributes to the assessment. As the deadline approaches, follow up with reminders to encourage completion. Providing a point of contact for questions can further improve participation and data quality.

6. Analyze the insights

Once responses are collected, review results both collectively and by stakeholder group. Aggregate scores by ESG topic and compare results across internal and external stakeholders, or across roles such as management and employees. Pay close attention to written comments, which often provide valuable context behind numerical rankings.

Use this analysis to identify common priorities, areas of divergence, and topics with high stakeholder significance. These insights can then be visualized in a materiality matrix that supports decision-making and reporting.

7. Put insights into action

Survey results should inform strategy, not conclude the engagement.

Share outcomes with stakeholders through sustainability reports, summaries, or digital channels, and invite ongoing feedback. Use findings to refine sustainability priorities, guide communications, and align initiatives with stakeholder expectations.

By integrating survey insights into broader strategy and reporting efforts, companies can strengthen stakeholder trust and ensure their materiality assessment delivers long-term value.

Aligning Materiality Assessments with Emerging ESG Standards

As sustainability reporting requirements evolve, materiality assessments are expected to clearly show how ESG topics were identified and prioritized. Stakeholder surveys support this expectation by providing structured, documented input that strengthens the double materiality assessment and supports alignment with frameworks such as CSRD and ISSB. When combined with internal analysis and regulatory research, survey results help demonstrate the ways in which stakeholder perspectives informed topic selection and prioritization across both impact and financial dimensions.

Align With Your Stakeholders

Surveys translate stakeholder engagement into actionable insights by capturing perspectives in a consistent and measurable way. When survey results are analyzed alongside internal data, they inform ESG priorities, reporting decisions, and communications. Sharing outcomes with stakeholders and explaining how their input influenced decisions reinforces transparency and supports ongoing engagement.

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Taco Bell

When Heilyn G. came to the United States from Cuba in 2016, she arrived with her family for a new start, not speaking any English. In April 2018, she started her first job as a Team Member at Taco Bell, stepping into an unfamiliar environment with curiosity, a strong work ethic and a desire to learn.

people sitting at a table together

From the very beginning, Heilyn stood out. She learned English on the job, communicating with her team while continuously seeking opportunities to grow. Her mindset quickly set her apart, leading to her promotion to Shift Manager in June 2019. Just six months later, she advanced to Assistant General Manager, and in December 2025, she took on the role of Restaurant General Manager.

Her leadership truly shined during the COVID pandemic. While her Assistant General Manager was on leave, Heilyn stepped up to run the restaurant, persevering through one of the most challenging periods the world faced. Her dedication to the team ensured the restaurant continued to succeed during uncertain times.

collage of employees smiling together

Heilyn’s impact has extended far beyond her own role as Heilyn has played a critical part in developing new Shift Leads, Assistant General Managers, and future leaders at Taco Bell. She partners closely with her Restaurant General Manager to identify talent, strengthen the restaurant culture, and elevate the Team Member experience every day!

Those who work alongside Heilyn often speak about her humility and thoughtfulness. Xochitl Z., People & Culture Director at Taco Bell Corp., who trained with her in Miami, shared how inspired she was by Heilyn’s pride in her restaurant and her approach to leadership.

“During training, I observed her onboarding a new employee and how thoughtful she was to make that new employee feel welcomed. She was so proud of her restaurant, the food quality, and leveraging all the tools the company provided…I learned a lot from her!”

Heilyn’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination. She continues to inspire her team every day, proving that with passion and leading with heart, there are no limits to how far you can go.

Heilyn, you make more people say, “This is the best job.” Thank you for all that you do… we’ll continue to cheer you on and can’t wait to see what you do next!

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