Tag: 3BL

NORTHAMPTON, Mass., December 3, 2025 /3BL/ – 3BL is offering early access to an exclusive interview featuring Steven Rochlin, founder and CEO of Impact ROI, alongside Dennis Duquette and Mo McNally from MassMutual’s community responsibility team, and Mary Mazzoni, Executive Editor of TriplePundit. The discussion centers on groundbreaking findings from the Project ROI Report series.

Over a decade of research tracking more than 600 studies reveals strong links between corporate sustainability and core business outcomes within sales growth, market value, and human resources performance. Yet the false narrative persists that sustainability is peripheral to core business strategy.

This updated Project ROI report, a follow-up to the landmark 2015 study, ends that debate definitively. Sustainability and social impact absolutely create financial value.

The numbers prove it:

• 36% increase in firm value
• 21% boost in profitability
• 57% decrease in employee turnover

The Conversation You Need to Hear

Despite mounting evidence, corporate sustainability remains contentious in boardrooms and C-suites. This exclusive interview answers the critical questions business leaders are asking:

• Current conversations in the US frame sustainability as a distraction. What are the counterpoints to give to CFOs who remain skeptical?
• Other than B2C brands, how do B2B companies leverage sustainability as a competitive advantage?
• How can companies track and prove the business impact of their corporate responsibility efforts, and clearly show the link between investment and outcomes?

Get Early Access Here

Expert Perspectives on Doing Sustainability Well

Rochlin introduces a practical framework — Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect — that separates companies generating millions in value from those checking boxes. Private equity firms now openly report tens to hundreds of millions in returns tied to sustainability factors.

The conversation also reveals a counterintuitive finding: C-suite executives are often more emotionally driven in sustainability decisions than sustainability professionals themselves. Understanding these emotional drivers and business archetypes is essential to effective strategy and communication.

A Framework for Leaders in 2026

As companies close out 2025 planning cycles, the conversation issues a call to action: stop debating whether sustainability creates value, and start focusing on how to do it well.

Get Early Access

Secure your spot to view this exclusive interview before the public release.

Click Here for Exclusive Access

About 3BL

3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.

3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

In our recent live panel discussion, “Contain, Control, Close: Practical Spill Strategies for Oil Fields,” a panel of industry experts, Seth Kagan, Vice President and Head of Environmental Claims at Aspen Insurance; David Grounds, HSE and Regulatory Leader with over 22 years of oil and gas experience; and Troy Bernal, Senior Consultant and Spill Response Subject Matter Expert at Antea Group USA, explored practical strategies for managing oil field spills from initial containment through site closure.

Together, these experts shared actionable insights to help operators strengthen spill response and remediation programs, whether managing a produced water release or broader oil field incident. Below is a recap of the discussion.

Missed the live panel?

Watch it here

 

Quick & Coordinated Spill Response

Report early. Engage early. The first call after stabilizing immediate hazards should be to your broker and carrier. Fast notification opens the claim, aligns expectations, and unlocks resources.

Know your coverage before you need it. Site pollution, contractor’s pollution, General Liability (GL) with environmental extensions, storage tank, pipeline—coverage varies. Your broker can quickly confirm policies and contacts.

Use the 24/7 emergency response hotline. Most environmental policies include one. It can:

• Route you to vetted emergency responders and consultants
• Help manage media and public communications
• Clarify policy emergency response periods (often 3, 7, or 14 days) so spend is eligible

Avoid “whoever shows up.” Predatory pricing and mis-scoped work are common in emergencies. Your carrier can point you to pre-approved local contractors with reasonable, pre-negotiated rates.

Institutionalize readiness

• Keep both an electronic and a physical contact cheat sheet (brokers, carrier hotline, pre-approved vendors, disposal facilities, labs, regulatory duty lines).
• Pre-endorse preferred vendors on your policy where possible (via underwriting).
• Set a pre-notify threshold (e.g., “information-only” notice at $100K) to build transparency and trust with insurers.

Key takeaway: Early, documented contact with your broker + carrier + vetted responders prevents missteps, protects coverage, and accelerates closure.

 

Field Response: Real-Time Actions & Challenges

Safety first. Do not put personnel at risk. Validate safe entry, control ignition sources, and activate your Incident Command System (ICS).

1. Stop, contain, and recover—fast.

• Stop the source (isolate valves, shut systems, depressurize as needed).
• Contain on-pad and beyond (booms, berms, tertiary earthwork if warranted).
• Recover free liquids quickly (vac trucks, hydrovacs, water trucks). Minutes and hours matter; delayed recovery drives depth of impact and cost.

2. Mobilize smart equipment and support.

• For off-pad flow, bring in backhoes/dozers to cut trenches/berms.
• Stage appropriate trucks and temporary storage.
• Coordinate utility locations/One-Call before excavation.

3. Notify in parallel.

• Internal leadership, HSE/Regulatory, landowners as needed.
• External agencies per impact (state environmental agency; U.S. Coast Guard/ their National Pollution Funds Center (NPFC) if waterways; railroad/pipeline regulators where applicable).

4. Document everything.

• Time-stamped photos, field logs, volumes removed, equipment hours, weather, personnel, and decisions.
• Build the incident report as you go. This speeds insurer review and regulatory closure.

5. Train like you respond.

• Annual tabletop drills on realistic scenarios
• Clarify roles/backup leads for vacations/after hours.
• Pre-align with your insurer on what you can do immediately under the policy.

6. Control cost dynamics.

• Use tiered bidding for excavation/hauling (unit pricing by cubic yard/ton); compare daily vs. hourly rates.
• Consider buying vs. renting for longer-duration equipment needs.

Key takeaway: Rapid source control and recovery, parallel notifications, disciplined ICS, and live cost controls minimize impact and set you up for smoother claims and compliance outcomes.

 

Remediation Techniques & Strategies for Quick Closure

Start with the end in mind: closure pathway. 
Regulatory drivers vary by state and by impact:

• Soil-only releases may follow one path (e.g., state oil/gas commission).
• Groundwater impacts often trigger broader agency jurisdiction and longer analyte lists.
• Sensitive receptors (residences, wetlands, surface water, ag fields) shape urgency and remedy selection.

Right-size the remedy.

• Use field screening to guide excavation limits (e.g., using a Photoionization Detector (PID) to screen for hydrocarbon impacts and Electrical Conductivity (EC) to detect saline or produced water contamination).
• Confirm with analytical confirmation samples—don’t “dig to daylight” by default. Over-excavation inflates waste, trucking, and risk.
• Choose landfarming/bioremediation where feasible and permitted; pivot to excavate-and-dispose in constrained urban corridors or receptor-dense areas.
• Evaluate access and permits (Rights-of-Way (ROWs), wetlands, rail, county). Factor those into schedule and cost.

Align landowner expectations with policy reality.

A “pristine” restoration standard may exceed what is required or covered. Proactive three-way communication (operator–landowner–carrier) avoids scope disputes.

Watch the burn rate.

• Track unit rates, crew sizes, shift patterns, and mobilizations daily.
• Validate charge codes (hourly vs. daily vs. weekly).
• Consider carrier-retained consultants for on-scene oversight, rate checks, and cost/benefit on remedy options.

Key takeaway: The fastest path to closure is a documented, data-driven, right-sized remedy that satisfies regulators, aligns with landowner expectations, and stays inside policy guardrails.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can operators and consultants align with insurers the moment a spill is identified? 
A: Start a single, shared communication thread (broker, carrier claims, consultant, ER contractor). Provide facts early (what, where, volumes, receptors, actions taken) and update frequently. If helpful, set a low pre-notify threshold, so the carrier is looped in before costs spike.

Q: Is it reasonable to ask the carrier to attend a tabletop drill? 
A: Yes—often via a retained environmental consultant funded by the carrier/underwriter, which yields a practical site-specific report. Discuss this during renewal or pre-planning with underwriting.

Q: From your experience managing spill events, what can teams do to be more proactive and efficient? 
A: The key is speed and accountability. Make sure the right people are empowered to respond immediately. The longer fluid sits on the ground, the deeper it penetrates, and the more costly the cleanup becomes.

Rapid deployment of vac trucks and early free-liquid recovery significantly reduces both environmental impact and remediation costs. Having a trained, ready team, and acting fast, consistently pays dividends in efficiency and overall risk reduction.

 

Looking Ahead 

Effective spill management is a team sport. When operators, consultants, brokers, and carriers collaborate early, execute safely, document thoroughly, and select right-sized remedies, closures come faster with fewer surprises and stronger financial control.

In our recent live panel discussion, “Contain, Control, Close: Practical Spill Strategies for Oil Fields,” a panel of industry experts, Seth Kagan, Vice President and Head of Environmental Claims at Aspen Insurance; David Grounds, HSE and Regulatory Leader with over 22 years of oil and gas experience; and Troy Bernal, Senior Consultant and Spill Response Subject Matter Expert at Antea Group USA, explored practical strategies for managing oil field spills from initial containment through site closure.

Together, these experts shared actionable insights to help operators strengthen spill response and remediation programs, whether managing a produced water release or broader oil field incident. Below is a recap of the discussion.

Missed the live panel?

Watch it here

 

Quick & Coordinated Spill Response

Report early. Engage early. The first call after stabilizing immediate hazards should be to your broker and carrier. Fast notification opens the claim, aligns expectations, and unlocks resources.

Know your coverage before you need it. Site pollution, contractor’s pollution, General Liability (GL) with environmental extensions, storage tank, pipeline—coverage varies. Your broker can quickly confirm policies and contacts.

Use the 24/7 emergency response hotline. Most environmental policies include one. It can:

• Route you to vetted emergency responders and consultants
• Help manage media and public communications
• Clarify policy emergency response periods (often 3, 7, or 14 days) so spend is eligible

Avoid “whoever shows up.” Predatory pricing and mis-scoped work are common in emergencies. Your carrier can point you to pre-approved local contractors with reasonable, pre-negotiated rates.

Institutionalize readiness

• Keep both an electronic and a physical contact cheat sheet (brokers, carrier hotline, pre-approved vendors, disposal facilities, labs, regulatory duty lines).
• Pre-endorse preferred vendors on your policy where possible (via underwriting).
• Set a pre-notify threshold (e.g., “information-only” notice at $100K) to build transparency and trust with insurers.

Key takeaway: Early, documented contact with your broker + carrier + vetted responders prevents missteps, protects coverage, and accelerates closure.

 

Field Response: Real-Time Actions & Challenges

Safety first. Do not put personnel at risk. Validate safe entry, control ignition sources, and activate your Incident Command System (ICS).

1. Stop, contain, and recover—fast.

• Stop the source (isolate valves, shut systems, depressurize as needed).
• Contain on-pad and beyond (booms, berms, tertiary earthwork if warranted).
• Recover free liquids quickly (vac trucks, hydrovacs, water trucks). Minutes and hours matter; delayed recovery drives depth of impact and cost.

2. Mobilize smart equipment and support.

• For off-pad flow, bring in backhoes/dozers to cut trenches/berms.
• Stage appropriate trucks and temporary storage.
• Coordinate utility locations/One-Call before excavation.

3. Notify in parallel.

• Internal leadership, HSE/Regulatory, landowners as needed.
• External agencies per impact (state environmental agency; U.S. Coast Guard/ their National Pollution Funds Center (NPFC) if waterways; railroad/pipeline regulators where applicable).

4. Document everything.

• Time-stamped photos, field logs, volumes removed, equipment hours, weather, personnel, and decisions.
• Build the incident report as you go. This speeds insurer review and regulatory closure.

5. Train like you respond.

• Annual tabletop drills on realistic scenarios
• Clarify roles/backup leads for vacations/after hours.
• Pre-align with your insurer on what you can do immediately under the policy.

6. Control cost dynamics.

• Use tiered bidding for excavation/hauling (unit pricing by cubic yard/ton); compare daily vs. hourly rates.
• Consider buying vs. renting for longer-duration equipment needs.

Key takeaway: Rapid source control and recovery, parallel notifications, disciplined ICS, and live cost controls minimize impact and set you up for smoother claims and compliance outcomes.

 

Remediation Techniques & Strategies for Quick Closure

Start with the end in mind: closure pathway. 
Regulatory drivers vary by state and by impact:

• Soil-only releases may follow one path (e.g., state oil/gas commission).
• Groundwater impacts often trigger broader agency jurisdiction and longer analyte lists.
• Sensitive receptors (residences, wetlands, surface water, ag fields) shape urgency and remedy selection.

Right-size the remedy.

• Use field screening to guide excavation limits (e.g., using a Photoionization Detector (PID) to screen for hydrocarbon impacts and Electrical Conductivity (EC) to detect saline or produced water contamination).
• Confirm with analytical confirmation samples—don’t “dig to daylight” by default. Over-excavation inflates waste, trucking, and risk.
• Choose landfarming/bioremediation where feasible and permitted; pivot to excavate-and-dispose in constrained urban corridors or receptor-dense areas.
• Evaluate access and permits (Rights-of-Way (ROWs), wetlands, rail, county). Factor those into schedule and cost.

Align landowner expectations with policy reality.

A “pristine” restoration standard may exceed what is required or covered. Proactive three-way communication (operator–landowner–carrier) avoids scope disputes.

Watch the burn rate.

• Track unit rates, crew sizes, shift patterns, and mobilizations daily.
• Validate charge codes (hourly vs. daily vs. weekly).
• Consider carrier-retained consultants for on-scene oversight, rate checks, and cost/benefit on remedy options.

Key takeaway: The fastest path to closure is a documented, data-driven, right-sized remedy that satisfies regulators, aligns with landowner expectations, and stays inside policy guardrails.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can operators and consultants align with insurers the moment a spill is identified? 
A: Start a single, shared communication thread (broker, carrier claims, consultant, ER contractor). Provide facts early (what, where, volumes, receptors, actions taken) and update frequently. If helpful, set a low pre-notify threshold, so the carrier is looped in before costs spike.

Q: Is it reasonable to ask the carrier to attend a tabletop drill? 
A: Yes—often via a retained environmental consultant funded by the carrier/underwriter, which yields a practical site-specific report. Discuss this during renewal or pre-planning with underwriting.

Q: From your experience managing spill events, what can teams do to be more proactive and efficient? 
A: The key is speed and accountability. Make sure the right people are empowered to respond immediately. The longer fluid sits on the ground, the deeper it penetrates, and the more costly the cleanup becomes.

Rapid deployment of vac trucks and early free-liquid recovery significantly reduces both environmental impact and remediation costs. Having a trained, ready team, and acting fast, consistently pays dividends in efficiency and overall risk reduction.

 

Looking Ahead 

Effective spill management is a team sport. When operators, consultants, brokers, and carriers collaborate early, execute safely, document thoroughly, and select right-sized remedies, closures come faster with fewer surprises and stronger financial control.

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

by Kitty Broihier

Soup season is one of my favorite cooking seasons of the year, and not only because I adore all kinds of soups. Cooking soup at home provides super benefits for those of us who are budget-conscious, busy, or simply craving some nourishing comfort food. So if you haven’t already done so this season, bust out that big ol’ soup pot, and get ready to stir up some goodness with our tips, ideas, and Guiding Stars-earning recipes.

Soup Is Budget-Friendly

A pot of soup is an easy way to stretch your grocery dollars. Many common soup ingredients are inexpensive (think beans, broth, grains, or noodles and staple veggies like onions, carrots, and celery). In-season produce is usually cheaper and widely available, so cooking soups that feature seasonal ingredients is another way to make a nourishing meal for less money. Soup is also easy on the budget because of the typical proportions of more expensive ingredients, like meat and poultry. Most soup recipes call for smaller amounts per serving than would be in a regular, plated entrée. For example, chicken and rice soup may use 2 cups of cooked chicken for the whole recipe (serving 4-6 people). But a plate of chicken and rice might call for an entire chicken thigh or small chicken breast per serving.

There are also many options for less expensive forms of ingredients. For example, bouillon cubes or paste-style broth base in a jar instead of boxes of prepared broth. Or canned or frozen vegetables instead of fresh. Finally, don’t forget that leftovers can be great soup ingredients, often easily added in toward the end of cooking.

Soup Helps Avoid Food Waste

Instead of tossing small amounts of food ingredients or leftovers, use them in a creative soup! I intentionally save vegetables that are starting to droop or are past their prime (such as celery and carrots). Then I store them in my freezer until I have enough to make a pot of stock or soup. Using up little “bits and bobs” is a challenge I love, and making soup from them is a fun technique. Some of my favorite things to keep instead of toss include:

• Small amounts of vegetables (either raw or cooked) are an easy add to soup.
• The last bits of plain yogurt or half-n-half can add a little richness to soup.
• Small portions of cooked grains and pasta—stir them in toward the end of cooking to add texture and make soup more filling.
• Any leftover canned or jarred tomato products, such as tomato sauce, marinara, salsa, or diced tomatoes practically beg to become part of the liquid used in a soup.
• Single-serve, cooked proteins that nobody felt like having for lunch. (The lonely chicken leg and the passed-over pork chop are classics at my house.)

Soup-Making Saves Time

Soup is the ultimate meal-prep food. It often tastes better on the second (or third) day, and it’s easy to make a large quantity with no extra work at all. Most soups freeze easily too, so you can have it at the ready for those days when you’re scrambling to get dinner on the table. Do keep in mind that freezing isn’t kind to creamy, dairy-based soups or soups with pasta or potatoes. (Milk products separate, and pasta absorbs a lot of the liquid and gets mushy.) You can always freeze some of the soup before adding these ingredients, and then add them when you reheat it.

Soup Is Easy to Make

Anyone can make soup, even young children (with some supervision of course). Soup is one of the easiest things to cook, and very forgiving (meaning if you mess up a little bit, it probably won’t matter). If you have a little soup-cooking experience or are willing to experiment, you don’t even need a recipe. However, if you’re a total novice, a good, basic recipe can be very helpful. It will teach you how to layer the ingredients for best flavor and ensure they’re all cooked to proper doneness. This recipe for Minestrone Soup is a good one to start with.

Soup-Making Doesn’t Require Much Equipment

If you’ve got a pot or a large saucepan, you can make soup. A slow cooker can also be very handy for soup-making—you can’t beat it for convenience. If you have one, haul it out of the closet and dust it off. Then just quickly combine the ingredients in the morning and let the soup cook throughout the day. Soup recipes written specifically for slow cookers (like this Lentil Chili) are the best choice if you go this route. Stovetop soup recipes will often need adjustment if you want to modify them for the slow cooker (you’ll usually layer ingredients differently and use less liquid).

Soup Is Easily Tailored for Your Health Needs

If you need to follow a special diet, have food allergies, or simply want to keep a lid on things like added salt, soup is easy to modify. Vegetarian or vegan soup recipes are easy to find online. And careful selection of ingredients like broth, condiments, and canned products can make it easy to keep sodium levels low. (Be sure to choose low- or reduced-sodium or no-added-salt options.) Don’t forget that ingredients that earn Guiding Stars are lower in sodium than ingredients that don’t have star ratings.

Some soups have a little sweetness added, but if you’re watching added sugar, you can skip it. Want more fiber? Bump up the veggies or add a whole grain to the soup. Want more protein? Add some pulses or legumes, or increase the protein component that it already includes. Soup is one of those dishes that’s easy to make your way, so adjust it to your taste and health requirements.

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 and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

Photo: Quick & Peppy Pumpkin Soup – 2 Guiding Stars

Streaming drives 55.8% of total TV time for Hispanic viewers,
outpacing 46% for all of the U.S.

Report also found that Hispanic consumers are redefining today’s ad environment through their distinct media consumption habits and passion for sports.

Originally published on Nielsen News Center

Hispanic consumers are leading the way when it comes to consumption of streaming content, a new Nielsen report finds.

In fact, streaming drives 55.8% of total TV time for Hispanic viewers, surpassing the 46% for the rest of the U.S. Furthermore, Hispanic audiences outpaced general U.S. viewership of streaming services YouTube, Netflix and Disney, that same report found. 

The above is one of the notable findings in Nielsen’s latest Diverse Intelligence Series report. Coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month, this month’s edition, titled Curating The Narrative: How Hispanic Viewers Are Creating Their Media Experiences, takes a deep dive look at this demographic’s media consumption and viewership habits.

Representing nearly 20% of the U.S. population and more than $4.1 trillion in purchasing power, U.S. Hispanics command cultural and economic power. Their digital- and mobile-first media consumption behaviors are driving and influencing broader trends in today’s media/entertainment, technology and sports landscape.

“Brands that want to succeed in this environment must understand that Hispanic audiences are not waiting to be represented. They are building their own platforms, amplifying their culture, and demanding authenticity,” said Stacie de Armas, SVP, Inclusive Insights at Nielsen. “Marketers must engage Hispanics authentically to take advantage of one of the most powerful and influential audiences in America today.”

Key findings include:

Media Consumption & Viewership Habits:

• Looking at total time spent with TV, streaming now drives 55.8% of total TV time for Hispanic audiences, outpacing the general U.S. population (46%).
• Despite the shift to streaming, broadcast and cable remain a cultural touch point for Hispanic audiences, driven more by storytelling, shared experiences and variety shows. General drama makes up the largest share of Hispanics’ time with broadcast programming, and 18% of all Hispanics’ time spent with broadcast is spent with sports or sports adjacent content.
• Yet, it’s genres like variety shows and conversational programming that stand out uniquely strong for Hispanic viewers totaling nearly 20%. This signals a preference for emotionally resonant, family-oriented, and interactive formats, whether it’s Casa de Famosos, Juego de Voces or even American Idol.
• Radio and podcasts account for 79% of all daily audio time with ad supported platforms, with 62% of Hispanic podcast listeners more likely to call a number from a podcast ad than the general population.

Redefining Digital

• 56% of Hispanics wish they saw more representation while scrolling social feeds (63% among Spanish speakers).
• They are 115% more likely to use CapCut, 80% more likely to use Linktree, and 29% more likely to use AI platforms like ChatGPT than the general population.
• Despite this engagement, less than 1% of digital ad spend from U.S. online retailers went to Spanish-language websites in Q1 2025, exposing a major investment gap.
• Nearly 96% of the Spanish-language online spend allocation was directed via YouTube, a platform that accounts for nearly 21% of Spanish-speaking audiences’ TV time.

Reshaping Soccer’s Future

• Hispanics are 39% more likely to be avid MLS fans than the general population, with fandom rooted in community and family.
• 40% of all U.S. Hispanics already identify as World Cup fans, with enthusiasm strongest among first- and second-generation audiences.
• Hispanic sports fans are 11% more likely to buy from a sponsoring brand and 12% more likely to recommend sponsors, showing the clear ROI of authentic sports partnerships.
• 70% of Hispanic World Cup fans plan to engage on social media and World Cup mobile apps.

“Today’s report contains many actionable and timely insights for marketers,” de Armas said. “First, there is a wonderful, two-fold growth story: Hispanic consumers are one of today’s fastest-growing demographics, commanding both economic, cultural and technological clout. Secondly, this is coming at a time when streaming is also reaching a critical inflection point, including surpassing broadcast and cable combined for the first time, which we reported on back in May. It’ll be interesting and noteworthy to track the momentum of these two growth vectors moving forward.”

The full report can be found here.

About Nielsen

Nielsen is a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (X, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram).

Media Contacts:

Andy Checo, résonant, acheco@dex-p.com
Elaine Wong, Nielsen, elaine.wong@nielsen.com 

Across industries, companies are facing mounting water challenges. Drought, flooding, pollution, and competition for supply are no longer isolated events. They are becoming regular features of a changing climate and shifting regulatory landscape. These risks directly impact operations, compliance, and reputation.

In response, many organizations have focused on improving water efficiency. This is often a logical first step. Reducing water use per product or process can generate immediate cost savings and demonstrate early action on sustainability.

But efficiency has its natural limits because it focuses exclusively on what happens inside the facility. In regions where water availability is already stressed, saving water at a single site may do little to protect the health of the overall watershed. Without understanding broader water dynamics, companies risk missing the bigger picture.

To ensure long-term resilience, companies must move beyond efficiency and begin practicing water stewardship. This broader approach considers the local context, the shared nature of water, and the importance of external engagement.

 

Efficiency and Stewardship: Different Functions, Different Outcomes

Despite their similarities, water efficiency and water stewardship are not interchangeable, and understanding the difference is essential for building a complete strategy.

Water efficiency is focused on optimizing how water is used internally. It usually includes, but is not limited to:

• Reducing water use from source
• Upgrading equipment for better performance
• Reusing and recycling water in processes
• Monitoring and reducing losses

These measures are important and usually easy to quantify, which is why many companies begin their water programs here.

Water stewardship, by contrast, builds on internal action and expands the scope to include external engagement, such as:

• The condition of the local watershed
• The availability and quality of water in the region
• The needs of other water users, including communities and ecosystems
• The long-term sustainability of supply

Efficiency looks inward. Stewardship looks inward and outward. A factory may be efficient and still operate in a degraded watershed. Stewardship asks: Are we contributing to watershed health? Are we managing shared risk?

This shift in mindset from site-level savings to system-level impact is critical. Many companies evolve in this direction over time, starting with efficiency and moving toward stewardship as they begin to see their broader role.

 

Water Stewardship in Practice

Water stewardship is already being put into practice across industries. Often, it starts with aligning company water goals with local realities. Instead of applying one-size-fits-all global targets, leading companies ask: What are the challenges in this basin? Who else depends on this water? What actions will make a difference?

Inogen Alliance partners seek to turn these insights into action. In India, our partner Chola MS Risk Services has worked with consumer goods and beverage clients to improve aquifer recharge and support rural water governance. These companies shifted from factory-level efficiency goals to initiatives that support local catchment restoration and village water budgeting. These projects are not just technically sound — they also improve relationships with local communities and build long-term support for operations.

Similarly, companies using frameworks such as the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard are moving from site-focused water savings to watershed-focused planning. This includes working with other stakeholders, setting shared goals, and tracking impact over time.

 

Why This Matters for Global Companies

Multinational organizations operate across very different water contexts. One facility might face severe drought, while another is managing flood risk. Water governance and regulations vary widely, and stakeholder expectations differ by country and culture.

Water efficiency alone cannot address these differences. In some locations, the main issue may be water quality. In others, it may be competing demands for limited groundwater or a concern over how polluted that water has become. Uniform targets such as “reduce water use by 25 percent” often overlook local realities and may not deliver meaningful impact.

By contrast, water stewardship allows for a more flexible and effective approach, creating consistency at the corporate level while adapting to local conditions. This is essential for managing water risk and aligning with emerging sustainability expectations.

Stewardship also supports Scope 3 water disclosures, CSRD-aligned reporting, and investor priorities. As ESG metrics evolve, water-related indicators are receiving more attention. Companies that demonstrate meaningful engagement beyond their facilities are better positioned to meet stakeholder demands.

 

Getting Started With Water Stewardship

It pays to be aware of water stewardship, but just thinking about it isn’t enough; it’s time to take the next step. For organizations that are ready to tackle water stewardship head-on, keep in mind that it doesn’t require starting from zero. There are clear actions that can help bridge the gap between efficiency and stewardship:

1. Conduct basin-level risk assessments. Understand where your high-risk facilities are located, what water sources they depend on, and what risks exist beyond the fence line.
2. Engage local stakeholders. This includes government agencies, community leaders, NGOs, and other water users. Their perspectives are essential for understanding the full picture.
3. Align internal goals with local realities. Rather than applying blanket targets, companies can set context-based water goals that reflect the specific needs and constraints of each region.
4. Integrate water stewardship into ESG governance. Corporate sustainability frameworks should include water stewardship metrics, incentives, and reporting mechanisms to track progress across business units and regions.

 

Don’t Underestimate Local Insight

Water is local. The challenges facing a facility in northern Europe are different from those in Southeast Asia or sub-Saharan Africa. Even within the same country, watershed dynamics and cultural expectations can vary significantly.

Effective stewardship depends on local understanding. That includes knowledge of regulations, water infrastructure, stakeholder concerns, and climate variability.

Inogen Alliance provides support across more than 150 countries through our global network of local experts. This structure allows us to combine consistent global program management with deep local insight, helping clients turn strategy into action wherever they operate.

 

What’s Coming: Policy Shifts and ESG Expectations

The landscape for water management is changing fast. Over the next 3–5 years, companies can expect increasing pressure from regulators, investors, and customers to go beyond internal efficiency.

What should you watch out for in the coming years? Emerging developments include:

• Tighter regulations on water withdrawals, discharge, and reuse in countries like India and China
• Expanded disclosure requirements under frameworks like the EU CSRD and India’s BRSR
• Growing adoption of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard, which encourages engagement at the catchment level
• Investor scrutiny of water risk, especially in supply chains

These shifts are pushing companies toward a more mature model of water management which treats stewardship as a strategic priority, not just a sustainability checkbox.

 

There’s No Better Time to Start: Become a True Water Steward

Your water strategy should reflect the scale of your impact and the complexity of the challenges ahead. Efficiency remains important, but it is not enough.

Is your organization managing water only within the fence line, or are you contributing to the long-term health of the watersheds you depend on?

If you are ready to move beyond water efficiency and toward full water stewardship, Inogen Alliance can help. Our global team of local consultants brings technical depth, policy insight, and practical experience to support your water strategy at every level.

Contact us to explore how we can support your water goals with global consistency and local delivery.

 

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Originally published on Tork Press and News

Tork, an Essity brand and global leader in professional hygiene, brought together facilities leaders, designers, architects, policy makers, advocacy groups, NGOs, manufacturers, infection prevention experts, accessibility advocates and lived‑experience experts for a European roundtable on inclusive hygiene in public washrooms, held in Edinburgh, Scotland on 2 October 2025.

The discussion produced clear, actionable measures businesses and venues can implement now to remove hidden hygiene barriers for millions of users – and set out the commercial case for doing so.

The roundtable builds on the recent Tork insight survey, which found only one in five washrooms meet hygiene cleanliness expectations and 52% of people take negative action after a poor experience – from cutting visits short to leaving negative reviews – directly impacting business revenue and reputation. Participants stressed that “people are not the barrier; the environment is,” urging businesses to realise the opportunity to design washrooms for the inclusion of more people.

“Most people don’t really care about washrooms, they’re not top of the list, there are many other priorities. I think it’s necessary that more people start to care and that they really start to include washrooms in their priority list. Because they add value for a customer, for a visitor. And in the end that’s value for the business.” Mariëlle Romeijn, ONE HUNDRED Restrooms.

What good looks like – key takeaways for providers and designers:

Make “clean and safe” non‑negotiable 

• Prioritize cleanliness across all senses (sight, smell, sound).
• Reduce pathogen spread and anxiety by providing paper towels over noisy hand dryers, especially for immunosuppressed or sensory‑sensitive users.
• Specify easy‑to‑clean dispensers and fixtures with minimal seams to cut biofilm build‑up and cleaning time.

Design for all users, not typical users

• About 95% of those with cognitive or physical conditions do not use wheelchairs; skin sensitivities, arthritis, neurodiversity, anxiety and paruresis (shy bladder) are widespread and often invisible.
• Inclusive design means as many people as possible can use the washroom comfortably. Prioritise reachability and low operating force: soap, towel and flush activations must be usable by people with limited grip strength or dexterity – and correctly positioned.
• Ensure privacy: full‑height cubicles, reliable and easy to operate locks and, where possible, in‑cubicle basins and “silent” cubicles reduce stress and increase dignity.
• Provide period‑ and continence‑friendly features: free or easy‑access products; closed bins in every stall (including men’s); shelves and mirrors in‑stall; and ready access to basins. Poor provision drives user anxiety and facility misuse and blockages.

Standardize and install correctly 

• Guidance exists but inconsistent interpretation limits the on-site experience for users.
• Call for pan‑European minimum specifications, including placement heights and operating forces, plus simple illustrated install guides to remove ambiguity.

Include cleaners and operators in the brief

• Design to be cleanable: flat surfaces, simple pipework and stain‑resistant materials supported with color‑coded maintenance regimes.
• Recognize the role of cleaning teams as “comfort crew” with training, visible ownership and rapid‑repair SLAs (service level agreements). Culture and respect of employees drives positive outcomes.

Use data to lift standards 

• Employ traffic‑based, sensor‑driven maintenance (smart dispensers, visit counters, QR fault reporting) for cleaning‑on‑demand and faster repairs.
• Reinvest efficiencies to raise standards

Plan for families, carers and diverse needs 

• Provide fully enclosed cubicles with personal basins to enable carers, parents and anxious users to access facilities comfortably and with greater ease and confidence.
• Where space allows, add family rooms with dual‑height fixtures; consider adjustable‑height options. Publish information about washrooms at venues
• Share details (location, opening times, layout, features) on websites and apps so users can plan with confidence.

Jenny Turner, Corporate Communications Director, Professional Hygiene at Essity, commented:

“Inclusive hygiene in washrooms shouldn’t expose human conditions; it should ensure comfortable access for as many users as possible. The commercial and societal case is clear: when people feel comfortable, they stay longer, spend more and come back. Tork is embedding inclusive hygiene principles – from low‑force, easy‑to‑clean dispensers to data‑driven cleaning – so venues can deliver consistently clean, dignified and comfortable experiences,”

Participants from commercial real estate, retail, transport and hospitality agreed: washrooms are “a small focus but a big impact.” Clean, well-maintained environments support longer dwell time, increased food and beverage spend and greater employee satisfaction. In contrast, uncomfortable or poorly maintained washrooms can reduce revenue, discourage repeat visits and hinder return-to-office efforts.

Every day, people around the world face visible and invisible barriers to washroom hygiene – due to their individual abilities, needs or circumstances. Whether it’s cleaning standards or the physical setup, these mismatches can prevent comfortable access for many users. While the perfect washroom may be difficult to achieve, the roundtable discussion generated a range of practical actions that businesses can implement to improve revenue, reputation and employee wellbeing by removing barriers to hygiene for as many people as possible.

Learn more about how inclusive hygiene can improve your business: https://www.torkglobal.com/us/en/about/inclusive-hygiene

About Tork

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissues, soap, napkins and wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity and a committed partner to customers in more than 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit www.torkglobal.com/us/en/.

About Essity

Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

As previously seen on the CSRHub blog.

Each month, our data partner Prime Directive Analytics (PDA) publishes insights from their proprietary “Democracy” signal — a dataset that explores how corporate political activity aligns with stated ESG and social responsibility goals.

In their latest piece, “The 67-Point Blind Spot,” PDA founder Jason Teed highlights a divergence between what companies publicly say about their values and how they act politically. The article explores this growing gap between corporate social statements and political engagement — a topic increasingly relevant to investors, consumers, and ESG professionals alike.

Read Jason’s full article: Here

About CSRHub

CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of expert consensus sustainability ratings, information, and tools. Clients use CSRHub’s decisive data platform for global benchmarking, supply and value chain risk assessment and compliance readiness solutions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers over 60,000 public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on 42,000 companies from 134 industries in 158 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 1,000 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance.

Interested in learning more about CSRHub?

As previously seen on the CSRHub blog.

Each month, our data partner Prime Directive Analytics (PDA) publishes insights from their proprietary “Democracy” signal — a dataset that explores how corporate political activity aligns with stated ESG and social responsibility goals.

In their latest piece, “The 67-Point Blind Spot,” PDA founder Jason Teed highlights a divergence between what companies publicly say about their values and how they act politically. The article explores this growing gap between corporate social statements and political engagement — a topic increasingly relevant to investors, consumers, and ESG professionals alike.

Read Jason’s full article: Here

About CSRHub

CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of expert consensus sustainability ratings, information, and tools. Clients use CSRHub’s decisive data platform for global benchmarking, supply and value chain risk assessment and compliance readiness solutions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers over 60,000 public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on 42,000 companies from 134 industries in 158 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 1,000 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance.

Interested in learning more about CSRHub?

Originally published by Mastercard

Abdul Karim Bangura arrived in Athens from Sierra Leone 14 years ago, armed with just a few words of Greek and determined to build a new life for himself in the Mediterranean capital.

But as he struggled to learn the language, he realized he had little hope of continuing the sales career he had started back home. He had to take low-paying jobs, first as a cleaner and then as an untrained kitchen assistant, to make ends meet.

Then he spotted a Facebook post from the nonprofit Odyssea offering free food industry training courses for people from marginalized communities. In Greece, two in five young people are unemployed, according to the organization, which works to bridge the gap between education and employment for those in need, including people with disabilities, the homeless, former drug users, and migrants like Bangura.

Spotting a promising opportunity, Bangura signed up for the program, known as ReStart by Mastercard, to get the qualifications needed to improve his job prospects.

After learning food safety and hygiene and cooking skills, Bangura became one of the 200 people to complete the ReStart program, set up by Odyssea, and began work at Kykloi by Priceless, Mastercard’s new restaurant in Athens’ vibrant Kerameikos district.

He’s now one of 12 ReStart graduates working as kitchen assistants and waiters at the restaurant, where Michelin-starred chef Pavlos Kiriakis’ menu offers a fresh take on sustainable, modern Mediterranean cuisine.

“I feel excited working alongside professional chefs,” Bangura says. “It’s been a great experience for me so far.”

Athens’ deep-rooted food culture made it the ideal place for Mastercard to open Kykloi by Priceless, its first restaurant in Greece, serving locally sourced dishes such as red sea bream with potato confit and calamari with the salty cured fish roe known as tarama. Like Mastercard’s other Priceless restaurants that dot the globe, Kykloi aims to connect with diners more deeply by offering unique multisensory experiences, including guest chef master classes and molecular mixology workshops. But Kykloi is Mastercard’s first purpose-driven restaurant.

The meaning of Kykloi — the Greek word for “circles” — is incorporated into the airy minimalist style created from natural materials to stand out in a city whose rich culinary heritage is celebrated everywhere from side-street souvlaki joints to sleek vaunted venues.

“For us, Kykloi symbolizes the circle of food,” says Loukia Chorafa, head of marketing and communications for Mastercard Greece, Cyprus and Malta. “From soil to plate, the table-sharing experience, the circle for people in ReStart finding a job — it’s the circle of life.”

But Kiriakis and the Priceless team wanted Kykloi to have an impact that would go beyond its food and design: to serve as a blueprint for restaurants to incorporate social inclusion and give people the skills they need to get ahead.

Because restaurants frequently struggle to get the trained, professional chefs, waiters and assistants they need, investing the time and effort to develop staff would also help them bridge the gap.

Since its opening in July, Kykloi — inspired by the circle theme of the Mastercard logo — has quickly become a favorite among Athenians and the many tourists who visit the city as much for its cuisine as for its ancient landmarks.

The early success of ReStart shows that the social inclusion program is a component that could easily be integrated into future Priceless restaurants in cities around the world and serve as an industry benchmark, Chorafa says.

So far, nearly all of the ReStart graduates — including migrants from 29 countries — have found jobs in Athens thanks to the technical skills, confidence and contacts they gleaned from the program. The next phase will look to engage young Greeks who face difficulties getting jobs due to factors such as disabilities or time spent in institutions.

For people like Bangura who’ve struggled to get ahead for years, signing up to ReStart and working at Kykloi has offered them the chance to thrive in the country they now call home, and finally square the circle.

“This will mean I have a better, more stable life here in Athens for me and my family,” he says.

Continue reading here.

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.