Originally published on Edie.net

Drawing on a decade of insights from the Women for Change program, Mars Global’s senior director of cocoa sustainability Nupur Parikh reflects on what can happen when women’s roles in the cocoa industry are fully recognized and supported.

Easter is right around the corner, and millions of families around the world are coming together to celebrate, connect and savour the simple joy that chocolate brings.

The story of that chocolate, however, doesn’t begin in the supermarket aisle or in a basket. It begins on a cocoa farm, where thousands of farmers in cocoa supply chains work to cultivate the cocoa that finds its way into the chocolate we all enjoy. Yet within many cocoa‑farming communities, women’s contributions are often undervalued or invisible.

The reality on the ground, however, is that women play central roles in cocoa-growing communities, like farming, family well-being and community life. In fact, studies have shown that women participate in all stages of cocoa production. Despite this deep involvement, gender norms and power relations perpetuate a system where their work is less visible and often undervalued. This creates barriers to their success and limits the resilience of the entire sector.

Mars wanted to help women overcome these barriers. Ten years ago, they launched Women for Change in partnership with CARE. Through Women for Change, Mars and CARE aim to economically empower female cocoa farmers and women living in cocoa-farming communities in Côte d’Ivoire — helping them save and invest, build and grow businesses, shift their confidence and agency within their households and communities, and harness the power of collective action.

Continue reading here.

3BL Content Editor: Formatting, Media & HTML Specifications

The 3BL Editor is a structured, HTML-based publishing environment. Formatting is not decorative — it is a technical decision that affects how content is rendered, indexed, and distributed. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how the editor works, what it supports, and how to maximize performance and discoverability using structured content.

Character Limits

Every field in the editor has a defined limit that affects how your content previews across channels — from email inboxes to aggregator feeds. These aren’t soft guidelines; exceeding them causes truncation downstream.

Character Limits
Field Limit Notes
Headline 255 characters Target 60 for search display
Subheadline 255 characters Doubles as SEO meta description
Body No limit Full article content
Short teaser 280 characters Used in email distribution previews

Writing a headline under 60 characters isn’t just an SEO best practice — it’s the threshold at which most search engines display the full title without truncation. The 255-character field gives you flexibility, but 60 is the practical target.1

Supported HTML Elements

Text Structure & Semantics

Well-structured content starts with the right tags. Headings, paragraphs, and text formatting elements do more than control appearance — they signal hierarchy to the systems that distribute and index your content.

  • Bold signals importance to both readers and search systems.
  • Italic works well for titles or technical terms being introduced.
  • Underline is supported but use sparingly to avoid confusion with links.
  • Superscript and subscript render correctly for use cases like COCO or trademark symbolsTM — both travel cleanly through distribution.

Lists

When sequence matters, use an ordered list:

  1. Lead with your most important claim in the headline and H1
  2. Support it with evidence in modular, self-contained sections
  3. Close with a clear takeaway or call to action
  4. Keep each section focused on one idea

When information is parallel but not sequential, use bullets:

  • Semantic headings at every major section break
  • Descriptive hyperlink anchor text
  • Alt text on every image
  • Embeds placed within the body, not isolated at the top or bottom

Links

The <a> tag supports href, alt, target, title, and rel attributes. Use descriptive anchor text for both accessibility and search performance. Read more about 3BL’s framework for optimizing content in our 2026 LLM and Generative AI Writing Guide.


Content Sanitization & Unsupported Elements

The editor automatically removes unsupported or unsafe elements on save. The most common ones teams run into:

  • Special characters, emojis, and math symbols
  • <div> (except for specific oEmbed use cases)
  • <span>
  • <video>
  • <audio>
  • <iframe>

Formatting that looks correct in the editor can degrade silently on downstream endpoints. A table that renders cleanly on 3BL Media may lose its header row on a wire service. Test every rich element against your full distribution stack before publishing.


Rich Media: Embeds & Images

Video Embeds

oEmbed is supported for YouTube, Vimeo, DailyMotion, and Spotify. Place embeds within the body of the article for the best rendering consistency across endpoints.

Images

Supported formats are PNG and JPEG only, with a maximum file size of 100MB. Every image should include descriptive alt text.

Before vs After of 3BL's Content Editor with Images


Rich Content & Performance Considerations

Rich content affects rendering behavior, how information is consumed by search engines, accessibility, and consistency distributed across channels.

  • Your headline should clearly communicate what the content is about in less than 60 characters.
  • Use the description to add context about why this topic matters and why your organization is positioned to speak about it.
  • The first header (H1) should mirror your headline, using words that communicate authority or nod toward search intent.
  • Secondary headers (H2, H3) help break up your content — more readable to both humans and robots than a long unbroken block of text.
  • Keep each section modular, with one clear idea per section.
  • Add descriptive alt text to images to help visually impaired readers and AI systems interpret the visuals you use.

The 3BL Content Editor gives marketing, communications, and PR teams the creative flexibility to produce rich, multimedia-driven stories — while ensuring content is structured, sanitized, and distributed consistently across 3BL’s network of 79 partner sites.


1Based on Google’s standard search result title display behavior as of 2026.

 

 

Talk to our team 
 

  • First bond of its kind from a North American bank supports Indigenous businesses and communities

TORONTO, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – BMO’s labelled Indigenous Bond, the first of its kind from a North American bank, has been recognized by Environmental Finance’s Sustainable Debt Awards 2026 as the Social Bond of the Year – Financial Institution. Issued in October 2025, the purpose of the bond is to help drive success and growth for Indigenous-owned businesses and Indigenous communities.

“At BMO, we drive innovation to empower our clients and strengthen our communities. As a bank with strong and long-lasting ties to Indigenous communities and businesses across Canada, we are especially honoured to receive this recognition and proud to have worked with Cedar Leaf Capital to be the first bank in North America to issue a labelled Indigenous Bond.” said John Uhren, Global Head of Sustainable Finance, BMO.

An Environmental Finance Awards judge commended BMO for “showing innovation in the bond structure as well as the process for structuring it.”

The syndicate for the CAD $200 million 4-year callable (4NC3) Fixed-to-Floating Rate Indigenous Bond included Cedar Leaf Capital Inc., Canada’s first majority Indigenous-owned investment dealer. The offering closed on October 27, 2025 and proceeds were allocated toward Indigenous-owned enterprises and Indigenous communities, as outlined in BMO’s Sustainable Bond Framework (the “Framework”).

Leveraging our Sustainable Bond Framework to build solutions

The Indigenous Bond is issued pursuant to BMO’s Framework, which aligns to BMO’s Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, for a thriving economy, a sustainable future, and stronger communities. The Framework defines eligible assets across eleven green, four social, and three transition categories and each category contributes to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and solving global challenges across sustainability and economic empowerment. The Framework is aligned with the International Capital Market Association’s (“ICMA”) Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, Sustainability Bond Guidelines, and the Climate Transition Finance Handbook, and BMO obtained a second party opinion from Moody’s on the Framework.

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2026. Serving clients for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to approximately 13 million clients across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and stronger communities.    

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bmos-labelled-indigenous-bond-named-environmental-finances-social-bond-of-the-year–financial-institution-302742013.html

SOURCE BMO Financial Group

In a year defined by innovation, growth and purpose-driven progress, Elanco Animal Health continues to gain momentum across the animal health industry. The company’s commitment to advancing animal well-being while supporting communities has recently been recognized through two notable honors, Elanco has been named:

Animal Health Company of the Year for 2025 by S&P Global’s Animal Health Awards, a distinction reflecting the company’s strong performance and forward-looking strategy. According to award organizers, the judging panel felt Elanco’s achievements over the past year made the decision clear.

Fueled by a combination of innovation and execution, Elanco has advanced new product approvals and launches, strengthened partnerships across the animal health ecosystem, delivered solid financial performance, and established its new global headquarters. Each of these is a milestone that signals a company building for long-term impact.

Together, these accomplishments reflect Elanco’s broader mission of improving animal health while helping to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in food nutrition and animal well-being.

America’s Most Charitable Companies 2026 list published for the first time by Newsweek. The ranking highlights organizations making meaningful contributions through philanthropy, corporate giving, and community engagement.

For Elanco, charitable work is closely tied to its purpose of Food and Companionship Enriching Life. Through partnerships, donations and employee-driven volunteerism, the company supports initiatives that strengthen the human-animal bond, expand access to veterinary care, and help communities thrive.

This recognition underscores how Elanco’s mission extends beyond business performance. Whether by advancing innovations that support farmers and pet owners or investing in communities around the world, the company continues to demonstrate that impact and growth can move forward together.

As Elanco builds on a year of strong achievements, these recognitions reflect a company that is not only gaining momentum by Going Beyond but also doing so with purpose.

Twenty-two senior executives share stories, strategies, and insights redefining leadership in a rapidly evolving industry curated by Diane L. Martin

LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Healthcare executive, strategic advisor, and author Diane L. Martin announces the launch of “Women in Health: A Master Guide to the Voices, Stories, and Strategies Shaping the Modern Office, a new anthology elevating the experiences and leadership insights of women shaping the future of healthcare.

Featuring the bold and compelling stories of 22 senior women healthcare executives across the country, the anthology spotlights leaders as they navigate challenges, rebuild organizations, transform cultures, and deliver impact across complex health systems.

Martin’s interest in this topic stems from more than two decades of experience leading transformative marketing and communication initiatives across hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, and health plans. Over her distinguished career, she has served in leadership roles at Dignity Health/CommonSpirit, Stanford Health Care, Emanate Health, sits on the board of Women in Health Administration of Southern California, and currently serves as the founder and managing partner at Macan & Company, a healthcare marketing and communications advisory network.

“‘Women in Health’ was born from a simple but urgent truth: these stories must be seen, heard, and preserved—not as side notes in the evolution of healthcare, but as the blueprint for its future,” said Martin. “My purpose in writing this book is to honor the women whose leadership has shaped my journey and strengthened the communities we serve—and to ensure their insights become part of the national dialogue informing policy, shaping culture, and guiding the next generation of leaders who will carry healthcare beyond the glass ceiling.”

The anthology features senior leaders from across strategy, operations, finance, clinical excellence, compliance, legal, supply chain, talent, and organizational transformation — including CEOs, CFOs, CMOs, CNOs, and other senior executives.

  • Alina Moran, FACHE, FABC, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, Elmhurst
  • Andrea Turner, JD, MBA, CNMT, CEO, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
  • Corina B. Clark, MPA, FACHE, RRT, President, California Association of Healthcare Leaders
  • Debra Green Oliphant, DHA, MPA, FACHE, FMSP, CLSSBB, CPMSM, CPCS, AVP of Medical Affairs and CVO
  • Diana Verrilli, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Navista
  • Eneida O. Roldan, MD, MPH, MBA, Executive Dean and Professor, Barry University
  • Este Geraghty, MD, MS, MPH, GISP, Retired Chief Medical Officer at Esri
  • Flo Di Benedetto, JD, MBA, BA, President and CEO, Di Benedetto Solutions, Inc.
  • Jill Martin, EVP, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  • Joanne Laguna-Kennedy, MSN, RN, CENP, FACHE, VP, Hospital Operations & Chief Operations Officer, Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital
  • Johnese Spisso, MPA, President, UCLA Health & CEO, UCLA Hospital System
  • June Simmons, President & CEO at Partners in Care Foundation
  • Karen Walker Johnson, CEO, Clever Care Health Plan
  • Kemi Olugemo, MD, FAAN, President, Clinical Development Consulting, LLC
  • Lara Khouri, MBA, MPH, CEO, MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital
  • Laura Moreno Lucas, General Partner, L’ATTITUDE Ventures
  • Laurie Sewell, MA, BS, President & CEO, Servicon
  • Margaret R. Peterson, PhD, EVP & Principal, COPE Health, Retired
  • Martina Lee Strickland, Chief Growth Officer, Clever Care Health Plan
  • Michelle Barry, MD, Global Systems Architect
  • Tamara Thomas, MD, Dean, School of Medicine, Executive Vice President Medical Affairs, Loma Linda University Health
  • Tricia Gray, MBA, MHA, FACHE, CPHQ, COO, WHA President

Another central theme is the power of mentorship—an influential element in Martin’s own career and of these authors.

“Every woman featured here has been lifted by someone who believed in her, challenged her, or opened a door that once seemed out of reach,” she said. “Their stories remind us that leadership is not a solo journey; it is a collective one. And as we look to the future, building strong communities of women in leadership is not optional—it is essential.”

She hopes readers will use the book as an inspirational resource for leaders at all stages of their journey. This inaugural edition highlights pioneering women whose leadership, vision, and impact are reshaping the healthcare landscape.

“I see my book offering clarity in moments of uncertainty, courage in moments of doubt, and affirmation when the path feels steep,” Martin said. “That it sparks conversations, strengthens networks, and ignites a renewed commitment to building a healthcare system that is equitable, innovative, and deeply human.”

“Women in Health” is available on Amazon.

For information about the book, visit https://womeninhealthseries.com/.

About Women in Health:
“Women in Health” captures a defining moment in the evolution of healthcare—one where women are at the forefront of transforming care delivery, shaping policy, and redefining organizational culture. This book celebrates the achievements of accomplished women healthcare executives and leaders, offering a compelling look into their professional journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the impact they are making on the future of the industry.

Featuring senior leaders from healthcare systems, hospitals, and organizations, this collection highlights the visionary contributions of women who are driving meaningful change. Through their stories, readers will gain valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and the advancement of diversity and inclusion. The book also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and fostering strong communities among women in leadership roles.

About Diane L. Martin:
Born in New York City and rooted in California for over two decades, Diane L. Martin is a healthcare executive and strategic advisor with over 20 years of experience leading transformative marketing and communications efforts across hospitals, health systems, and higher education. Known for her ability to turn complexity into clarity, Diane has helped organizations expand access, elevate reputation, and reimagine how they connect with the communities they serve.

Her leadership has driven award-winning growth strategies, bold digital transformations, and enterprise-wide rebranding initiatives. She’s built and mentored high-performing teams, guided executive messaging, and partnered with boards and stakeholders to bring ambitious visions to life—from new cancer centers to academic institutions and equity-focused campaigns.

As a board member of Women in Health Administration of Southern California, Diane also champions inclusive leadership and mentorship—helping empower the next generation of changemakers in healthcare.

Diane continues to shape the future of the industry with insight, creativity, and purpose—collaborating with forward-thinking leaders to build what’s next.

Media Contact:
Marie Lazzara
JJR Marketing
630-400-3361
marie@jjrmarketing.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/women-leaders-shape-the-future-of-healthcare-in-new-anthology-women-in-health-302741928.html

SOURCE Diane L. Martin

The Curiosity Cube™, a mobile science lab from MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has begun its 2026 tour of North America, Europe, and Southern Africa. Throughout the year, over 2,000 employees and partners worldwide will step out of their laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and offices to share their skills and insights with the next generation of scientists, providing hands-on STEM experiences for an expected 62,000 students.

“Our employees work every day to impact life and health with science, and that passion makes them powerful role models for today’s students,” said Jeffrey Whitford, Vice President, Sustainability and Social Business Innovation, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “As we mark the 10th anniversary of our SPARK™ employee volunteer program, the Curiosity Cube™ remains one of the many ways we spark curiosity and inspire confidence in students. We provide access to hands-on science by bringing the interactive, mobile lab directly to their schools.”

Inside this year’s Curiosity Cube™ are three lessons focused on synthetic biology. This topic introduces students to biology principles and highlights growing sectors within the life sciences, including research and development, healthcare, and agriculture. The three lessons include:

  • Enzyme Function: Demonstrating how enzyme shapes influence biological processes using lock and key models.
  • DNA Coding: Allowing students to discover how DNA “codes” affect traits and behaviors.
  • Gene Activation: Highlighting how turning genes on or off can create genes that help solve real-world problems.

The eighth North American tour includes 133 events across major cities in the U.S. and Canada, including Austin, Boston, Cleveland, Durham, Houston, Kansas City, Milwaukee, San Diego, San Jose, St. Louis, Toronto, and more. For its fifth European tour, the Curiosity Cube™ will host 156 events with stops in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.K., with new stops in Poland, Serbia, and Slovakia. After a successful expansion to Southern Africa in 2025, the Curiosity Cube™ is returning to host 126 events alongside universities in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and will expand to Zambia for the first time.

To learn more about the Curiosity Cube™ mobile science lab and view the 2026 tour schedule, visit TheCuriosityCube.com and follow the Curiosity Cube™ on Instagram: @curiositycube_milliporesigma.

  • 18th annual event brings total amount raised to over $346 million
  • Record 839 local charities supported by customers through Subaru’s retailer network

CAMDEN, N.J., April 14, 2026 /3BL/ – Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that over $26 million was donated through the 2025 Subaru Share the Love® Event, supporting a variety of causes important to Subaru, its retailers, and customers. Over the program’s 18-year history, the event has generated more than $346 million for its national charity partners and local hometown charities, making positive impacts in communities nationwide during the holiday season and beyond.

In 2025, the Subaru Share the Love® Event celebrated 18 years of giving back on behalf of customers. The initiative donated over $26 million to national and hometown charities nationwide.

During the annual Subaru Share the Love Event, customers who purchased or leased a new vehicle could choose to direct a donation to one of four national charity partners: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®), Make-A-Wish®, Meals on Wheels America, or the National Park Foundation, or to hometown charities selected by Subaru retailers. This year, a record 839 hometown charities were supported, expanding the program’s reach to more local organizations than ever before. Collectively, these organizations received over $18.6 million from Subaru of America and its retailers, underscoring the initiative’s broad impact.

Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc.: “The Subaru Share the Love Event inspires the Subaru community to support causes that matter most to them. Coming together on behalf of our national partners and a record number of hometown charities, Subaru, our retailer network, and our customers helped continue to drive meaningful impact for communities nationwide, demonstrating the collective difference we can make together.”

Subaru and its retailers have held the annual Subaru Share the Love Event since 2008 in the final weeks of the year, giving back to local causes that matter most to customers and their communities. From November 20, 2025, through January 2, 2026, Subaru and its retailers together donated a minimum of $300 to charity for any new vehicle purchased or leased at any participating retailer nationwide.

For more information on the Subaru Share the Love Event®, visit www.subaru.com/share.

Subaru and its retailers are committed to helping their communities through the Subaru Love Promise®. To learn more about the Love Promise initiative, visit www.subaru.com/love-promise.
 

About Subaru of America, Inc. 
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise®, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube

###

Diane Anton
Corporate Communications Manager
(856) 488-5093
danton@subaru.com

Adam Leiter
Corporate Communications Specialist
(856) 488-8668
aleiter@subaru.com

MANCHESTER, N.H., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global Environmental Solutions, LLC (GES), a provider of environmental control technologies for land and water infrastructure, announced today the launch of EnviroBalls™, a modular floating water cover system engineered for municipalities, industrial operators, reservoirs, and for aviation facilities.

In developing EnviroBalls™, we focused on delivering a solution our customers can rely on in critical water infrastructure applications. The name reflects a product that is engineered, practical, and built to perform consistently in the field,” said Rocco Petrilli, Chief Revenue Officer of Global Environmental Solutions.

Manufactured in the USA from UV-stabilized high-density polyethylene (HDPE), EnviroBalls™ are engineered hollow spheres that float on water surfaces to form a self-adjusting modular, scalable coverage layer that reduces evaporation, protects water quality, suppresses chemical emissions, and deters wildlife from open water bodies.

EnviroBalls™ can reduce evaporation by up to 80 percent under certain operating conditions, while also limiting UV penetration that contributes to algae growth and water quality degradation. In industrial applications, the ball system can help suppress odors from paper plants and chemical emissions such as acid mist in electrowinning and process tanks. In aviation and infrastructure settings, EnviroBalls™ eliminate open water surfaces that attract birds, supporting wildlife hazard mitigation and regulatory compliance near airports.

Unlike fixed or membrane-based covers, EnviroBalls™ require no anchoring, structural supports, or permanent infrastructure, significantly reducing installation complexity and capital cost. The modular design enables scalable deployment, allowing operators to install partial coverage, expand over time, and adapt to changing operational requirements.

Applications include:

  • Water infrastructure: reservoir evaporation control, wastewater lagoon covers, stormwater pond management, and drinking water storage protection.
  • Industrial & Mining: acid mist suppression in copper electrowinning tanks, industrial tank covers, mining process water, and chemical containment.
  • Aviation and wildlife: bird ball systems for wildlife deterrence and bird hazard mitigation for airport stormwater ponds and detention basins.

EnviroBalls™ are engineered for long-term durability in harsh environments, with resistance to UV exposure, temperature cycling, and wide range of chemical environments. Consistent wall thickness and verified buoyancy come from GES quality control protocols. GES supports each project with coverage modeling, sizing calculations, and application specific engineering guidance to ensure performance.

EnviroBalls™ water covers are a proven, straightforward solution for reducing evaporation, limiting algae growth, and protecting water quality. GES entered this market to provide a high-quality, engineered solution that customers can depend on across municipal and industrial applications,” added Petrilli.

GES provides project evaluation and support to help engineers and operators get the right coverage in place. For more information or to request a consultation, visit www.EnviroBalls.com.

About Global Environmental Solutions, LLC
Global Environmental Solutions (GES) provides environmental control technologies for dust suppression, soil stabilization, surface management, and water infrastructure applications. GES serves municipal, industrial, mining, construction, transportation, and agricultural markets across North America. www.globalenvironmentalsolutions.com

Media Contact: media@dirtglue.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ges-introduces-enviroballs-floating-water-cover-system-for-reservoirs-wastewater-industrial-evaporation-control-and-bird-deterrence-302741789.html

SOURCE Global Environmental Solutions, LLC

According to the World Economic Forum, comprehensive new research has effectively settled the debate over the financial value of sustainability. A review of 640 academic and think-tank studies, conducted by the firm Impact ROI, makes an evidence-based claim that sustainability materially improves financial performance — including profitability, valuation, and productivity — when it’s designed and managed as a strategic business capability, rather than a compliance exercise.

But, as the market has been signaling for the past few years, making a strong business case is not the only battle for corporate sustainability. The harder part can be in the execution, especially as the reporting landscape evolves towards more granular disclosures. This edition of Sustainability Highlights features several practical tools to support companies.

The EU’s final revisions to the CSRD eliminated mandatory reporting requirements for an estimated 90% of companies, but many small and medium-sized companies still face expectations from investors, customers, and business partners. The Voluntary Standard for SMEs (VSME) is a European Commission-recommended tool for companies in exactly this situation, and G&A Institute has published a new Quick Reference Guide to the VSME to help companies maintain reporting credibility and bolster their supplier status.

Second, the 2026 CDP response cycle is now underway — for many companies, the most consequential sustainability reporting obligation of the quarter. In a new series just launched, G&A Institute starts with the fundamentals: what CDP is, why it matters, and how to approach this year’s response strategically. Whether you’re a first-time responder or looking to improve your score, the series is designed to help companies move through the process with clarity. G&A also offers tailored support for CDP responses; learn more here.

Meanwhile, the standards landscape continues to become more sophisticated. As reported by ESG Today, the Global Reporting Initiative released a draft set of disclosure standards for pollution, covering emissions to air, water, and soil. This is the latest signal that even as top-level mandates like the CSRD are simplified, the reporting ecosystem is simultaneously becoming more specific and more demanding. Recent issues of Sustainability Highlights have tracked this emerging pattern, with new sector standards for mining, oil and gas, and agriculture. It is worth reviewing the pollution standard now out for public comment. Companies that wait for final rules before building their data infrastructure will find themselves behind.

The issue also covers the ISSB’s move into nature-related disclosure standard-setting, China’s new ecological and environmental code, the EU-Japan climate alliance, and why AI power demand is creating new grid risks.

G&A also published two new pieces this week on engaging the value chain for decarbonization — one on joining or forming alliances, and one on creating incentives for value chain partners. Find both below.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Professor of global ecology Thomas Crowther will release his debut book, Nature’s Echo: Harnessing Ancient Feedback Loops to Heal a Changing Planet, with Harper Horizon on June 2, 2026. Known for his groundbreaking work in global ecosystem ecology and described in The Guardian as “the Steve Jobs of nature” and as “the John Lennon of ecology, and this book his ‘Imagine’” (Mark Stevenson, author of An Optimist’s Tour of the Future), Thomas Crowther draws on cutt