Tag: 3BL

WHO

Fairtrade America, Marketplace of the Future, D.C. Climate Week

WHAT

Approaching its 10th annual event in NYC, the Marketplace of the Future is the longest running consecutive event in NYC Climate Week history and is making its second year return in D.C. this month. The Marketplace of the Future, as one of D.C. Climate Week’s primary features, shows the public what the future could look like if we give ourselves full permission to envision the ideas, products, services that collectively form a model of a healed planet – whether it’s repair stations or solar infrastructure companies. Marketplace of the Future offers achievable steps toward creating a more sustainable future.

Fairtrade America sees a future where exploitative trade no longer exists, where fair trade becomes the normalized, integrated structure of global trade. We see a future where consumers don’t have to choose Fairtrade products because fair trade practices like market minimums and additional premiums are built into standard practice.

You’ll see Fairtrade America at this year’s D.C. Climate Week Marketplace for the Future, representing a future where all individuals – farmers, traders, manufacturers, shippers, labelers and consumers – equitably share trade’s benefits.

WHEN

April 25, 2026
12-10:00 p.m. Eastern

WHERE

The Square at 1875 I. St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.

WHY

Fairtrade works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It’s about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. We envision a future where all producers can enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods, fulfil their potential and decide on their future.

Despite mounting pressure from economic uncertainty and inflation, recent consumer research from GlobeScan shows that 72% of U.S. consumers who said they have seen the Fairtrade Mark are willing to pay more for a product to help farmers earn a fair price. In fact, ⅔ of shoppers who know Fairtrade are willing to pay more for certified products: $1.50 more for a Fairtrade bar of chocolate, $3.40 more for a bag of Fairtrade coffee and $0.80 more per pound for Fairtrade bananas.

ABOUT FAIRTRADE AMERICA

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It’s about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 30 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world’s largest and most recognized fair trade certification program — part of a global movement for change. Learn more at fairtrade.net, and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Fairtrade takes human rights, sustainability and trade personally. Though consequences often go unseen, companies’ and consumers’ choices have human and environmental costs. By choosing Fairtrade, businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers can create a better world – one that puts people and planet over profits. Together, we can prioritize global partnership and our shared humanity.

ABOUT MARKETPLACE OF THE FUTURE

Inspired by the 1939 New York World’s Fair, Marketplace for the Future in Washington, D.C. is an expo designed to highlight climate solutions and the possibilities of a more sustainable future. Scheduled for April 25, 2026, the event will feature exhibitors, panels, live jazz and more to create an immersive experience for attendees.

MEDIA CONTACT

Liz Davis, Fairtrade America

202.930.4349 | ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, April 16, 2026 /3BL/ – DP World’s Terminales Río de la Plata (TRP) has been ranked 19th out of 100 companies in the Great Place To Work® “Best Places to Work in Argentina 2026” list in the mid-size company category (251–1,000 employees), reflecting strong employee engagement and workplace culture at the company’s Buenos Aires operations.

The recognition is supported by employee feedback collected through Great Place To Work’s independent workplace culture assessment:

• 90% of TRP employees say TRP is a great place to work, outperforming the national average of 85% across Argentina’s workforce.
• 92% of employees say they feel treated fairly
• 93% express pride in their work at the company.

These results reflect a high level of employee trust, engagement, and satisfaction within TRP’s Buenos Aires operations.

Gustavo Figuerola, CEO of DP World in Argentina, said: “Being recognized among Argentina’s best workplaces reflects the strength of our people and the culture they create every day at Terminales Río de la Plata. By investing in our teams and building an environment based on trust, safety, and opportunity, we enable our workforce to deliver reliable operations that support Argentina’s role in global trade.”

Located in the Port of Buenos Aires, Terminales Río de la Plata is a key gateway supporting Argentina’s international trade flows. As part of DP World’s global network of ports, terminals, and logistics services, TRP connects Argentine importers and exporters with global markets while supporting efficient cargo handling and supply chain reliability.

The Great Place To Work ® ranking highlights the company’s continued investment in workforce development, safety, and a collaborative workplace culture. TRP employs more than 680 people and focuses on initiatives that promote employee well-being, leadership development, and continuous professional growth while maintaining high operational standards across its port operations.

“Port activity requires high levels of coordination, safety, and operational efficiency. Having teams that take pride in what they do, work collaboratively, and have a strong sense of responsibility is key to maintaining reliable operations and supporting the growth of Argentina’s foreign trade,” added Fernando de Vera, VP, Operations at TRP / DP World in Buenos Aires.

The recognition reinforces DP World’s broader commitment to building high-performing workplaces across its Americas network, where employee engagement and professional development play a critical role in maintaining resilient and efficient trade infrastructure.

– END –

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com

For media enquiries, please contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications
M: (+1) 704-605-6159
E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW.

Key points

• A faster, easier prior authorization experience ensures providers can focus on their patients, helps ensure members get their medications quickly
• CVS Caremark is using Surescripts Touchless Prior Authorization for select specialty drugs
• The expansion of Touchless Prior Authorization into specialty drugs helps members start treatment sooner, improving medication adherence and health outcomes

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

CVS Caremark is deploying innovative new processes and technology to simplify the prior authorization process for medications and make it faster for members and providers while upholding rigorous clinical integrity and quality. As part of this effort, CVS Caremark is expanding use of Surescripts Touchless Prior Authorization. Touchless Prior Authorization is an industry-leading technology that anticipates what clinical information will be needed to complete a prior authorization, connects directly to a patient’s electronic health record to retrieve that information, and shares that information back to CVS Caremark.

When prior authorization requirements are met, CVS Caremark can immediately approve the medication. The process of automatically matching clinical data with determination criteria at the time of prescribing enables CVS Caremark to reach approvals as quickly as possible, often in as little as 22 seconds*.

CVS Caremark is using this approach for select specialty medications. Specialty medications are essential for patients managing chronic, rare, or serious conditions, but the prior authorization process for these drugs can sometimes be complex. The first specialty medications added — Vivitrol and Epidiolex, used to treat substance use disorder and epilepsy, respectively — represent high impact therapies for which complex approval requirements are needed.

“CVS Caremark and Surescripts share a commitment to transform the prior authorization approval process through innovation,” said Dr. Michelle Gourdine, Senior Vice President, CVS Health; Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark. “By helping to make prior authorization instant and seamless, we reduce administrative burden while maintaining clinical integrity, helping to ensure the people we serve receive the medications they need more quickly.”

The expansion of Touchless Prior Authorization is one part of CVS Caremark’s broader commitment to enhancing the prior authorization experience by leveraging technology and optimizing process across a multitude of initiatives. Last year, these combined efforts reduced the median time to process a prior authorization to 34 minutes, down from 2-3 hours in 2024, with nearly 4 million prior authorizations approved automatically through use of responsible technology.

A faster, easier prior authorization experience ensures providers and colleagues can focus on their patients, and that members get their medications quickly.

The adoption and expansion of Touchless Prior Authorization is another step in CVS Health’s commitment to reduce administrative obstacles, resulting in less friction for providers, and expediting care and improved health outcomes for patients.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs. 

Chemours Fayetteville Works has once again earned Gold in the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) Conservation Certification®, recognizing the site’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and community engagement.

Powered by Tandem Global, the WHC Conservation Certification® is the only voluntary sustainability standard designed specifically for broad‑based biodiversity enhancement and conservation education on corporate lands. Certification is awarded through an objective, third‑party evaluation of on‑site conservation and education programs. Achieving Gold status reflects both the strength of Fayetteville Works’ environmental initiatives and the dedication of employee volunteers who lead them.

“The Chemours Fayetteville Works site is recognized as meeting the strict requirements of WHC Certification,” said Margaret O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer, Tandem Global. “Companies achieving WHC Certification, like Chemours Fayetteville Works, are environmental leaders, voluntarily managing their lands to support sustainable ecosystems and the communities that surround them.”

This milestone underscores Chemours’ continued commitment to being a good neighbor and advancing biodiversity and conservation education across its operations, including Fayetteville Works and five additional WHC‑certified sites in Delaware, Mississippi, New Jersey, and West Virginia.

A Comprehensive Approach to Habitat, Wildlife, and Education

Fayetteville Works’ Gold certification is supported by a focused portfolio of habitat management, wildlife conservation, and education programs developed in partnership with local schools and community organizations.

Forest Habitat Stewardship

• 1,500 acres of managed forest habitat, including longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests
• Regular monitoring of plant and wildlife diversity to assess forest health and inform long‑term stewardship
• Alignment with regional conservation priorities, including the North Carolina State Wildlife Action Plan

Wildlife, Pollinator, and Avian Conservation

• Bluebird Program: Installation and monitoring of more than 70 nesting boxes, improving nesting success through adaptive management
• Eastern Wild Turkey Habitat Management: Food plots, forest thinning, and delayed mowing to support nesting and broader wildlife populations
• Bird‑Safe Buildings: Window deflectors installed on office buildings to reduce bird strikes
• Pollinators: Native plantings and pollinator habitats supporting bees, butterflies, and other essential species
• Whitetail Deer: Habitat management practices that support healthy populations while maintaining balanced forest ecosystems
• Bats: Protection and monitoring of bat habitats, supporting local populations and their role in natural insect control

Conservation Education and Community Engagement

• School Partnerships: Hands‑on environmental education with Gray’s Creek High School, Future Farmers of America students, and Mac Williams Middle School, reaching hundreds of students each year
• Youth Outreach: Nature‑based learning activities through events such as Kids Day at Work, introducing children to local wildlife and conservation concepts

Together, these site‑led initiatives demonstrate how employee volunteers and community partnerships are making a positive impact on local ecosystems and communities.

Chemours recognizes the Fayetteville Works employee volunteers and community partners whose dedication made this achievement possible and remains committed to advancing conservation and biodiversity across its global footprint.

Learn more about Chemours commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability at https://www.chemours.com/en/sustainability. 

LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.

“We are proud to see the Bremen Industrial Plant lead the way as Southwire’s first manufacturing facility to be awarded LEED Silver,” said Jason Nine, Director of Process Technology Optimization at Southwire. “It is important to us to support Southwire’s commitment to generational sustainability by building new sites to the highest standard of quality, excellence and environmental and human health.”

The Bremen Industrial Plant achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

During the building’s design and construction phase, the team worked closely with contractors to implement improvements such as individualized HVAC and lighting for offices, using light-colored roofing to reduce the urban heat island effect, capturing rainwater and reducing light pollution in the parking lots.

“LEED certification is the ultimate recognition of global green building leadership, signaling that a space has undergone rigorous third-party verification and meets the highest green building standards,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO of the USGBC. “The success of LEED is due to the partnership and support of those committed to advancing green building and sustainability. Each new LEED certification brings us one step closer to revolutionizing the spaces where we live, learn, work and play.”

Certification is proof that buildings are going above and beyond to ensure the space is constructed and operated to the highest level of sustainability. More than 129,434 commercial and institutional projects are currently participating in LEED, comprising more than 12 billion square feet of commercial space in all 50 states and more than 186 countries and territories.

“Southwire not only ‘talks the talk’ but actually ‘walks the walk.’ This is another example of Southwire doing well by doing good,” said Casey Long, Vice President of Manufacturing. “I am proud of the Bremen team and our partners for delivering a result that strengthens our sustainability goals today and in the future.”

For more Southwire news, visit www.southwire.com/sustainability.

Like many brands, EILEEN FISHER operates within a complex supply chain while also managing environmental and social impacts at the corporate level. As a New York State Public Benefit Corporation and certified B Corp, the company aims to hold itself accountable through clear goals, consistent measurement, and transparent reporting. To do that, EILEEN FISHER needs:

• A consistent methodology for measuring ESG performance.
• Comparable metrics across reporting cycles.
• Comparable metrics between brand and supplier that support mutual sharing.
• Alignment with industry standards.
• Verified data to strengthen credibility.

To support these objectives, EILEEN FISHER uses standardized, industry-aligned measurement tools to evaluate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance across its business and supply chain. As a long-standing Cascale member, EILEEN FISHER relies on the Higg Index frameworks, modules, and methodologies – which are stewarded and governed by Cascale and implemented globally through the Worldly technology platform – to support consistent, credible sustainability measurement.

The company publicly discloses verified results from the Higg Brand & Retail Module (Higg BRM) in its annual Benefit Corporation Reports and aligns broader social and environmental oversight with shared industry tools such as the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (Higg FSLM) and the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM). For this case study, EILEEN FISHER provided Higg FSLM and Higg FEM insights.

Establishing Consistent Brand-Level Measurement

The Higg BRM provides a structured framework that enables EILEEN FISHER to evaluate governance systems, environmental management, supply chain insight, and social impact using standardized criteria aligned with industry peers. By completing the Higg BRM annually, EILEEN FISHER establishes a recurring benchmark that informs internal decision-making, supports strategic prioritization, and enables public reporting backed by verified data.

According to its 2024 Benefit Corporation Report, EILEEN FISHER reported its verified Higg BRM score increased from 45.2 percent in 2022 to 52.7 percent in 2023 and 56.6 percent in 2024, representing a cumulative 11.4 percent increase year over year. The company attributed this improvement to:

• Expanded traceability across supply chain tiers.
• Increased use of eco-preferred materials.
• Sustained effort to involve cross-functional teams in work around Responsible Purchasing Practices (RPPs).

This year-over-year score increase demonstrates how standardized, data-driven frameworks guide measurable performance improvements. By disclosing verified Higg BRM results alongside its B Impact Assessment, EILEEN FISHER reinforces transparency and demonstrates alignment between industry-specific sustainability metrics and broader ESG governance standards.

Supporting Social & Labor Performance Through Higg FSLM

To complement brand-level governance measurement, EILEEN FISHER uses the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (Higg FSLM) to evaluate working conditions across its supplier facilities. The company has demonstrated significant progress in adopting and verifying Higg FSLM assessments across its supply chain by rapidly scaling adoption of Higg FSLM self-assessments from 2020-2022.

EILEEN FISHER now maintains an 80-90 percent adoption rate for verified T1 suppliers and 20 percent adoption rate for verified T2 suppliers, with plans to scale further. Their progress includes both the Higg FSLM and Better Work in Vietnam and Indonesia, which aligns with the Higg FSLM via the Social and Labor Convergence Program (SLCP).

Approximately 80 percent of the assessments originate from five key countries – China, the United States, Peru, and Turkey – with China among the highest-adopted sourcing nations, and the apparel, accessories, and footwear sector remains at the forefront of the Higg FSLM adoption within the company’s supply chain.

These results reflect a structured approach to strengthen social and labor performance, expanding verified data across sourcing regions, and deepening supplier engagement over time. By embedding Higg FSLM assessments into supplier engagement, EILEEN FISHER enhances transparency, reduces duplicative audits, and supports measurable improvements in working conditions.

Advancing Environmental Performance Through Higg FEM

EILEEN FISHER also utilizes the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) to track environmental performance at the facility level. The tool plays an important role in informing the company’s Scope 3 inventory and broader decarbonization strategy. As of 2024, 88 percent of product (by volume) is made by Tier 1 facilities completing the Higg FEM and 55.5 percent of product (by volume) is made by Tier 2 facilities completing the Higg FEM.

These facilities provide verified environmental data that informs the company’s carbon footprint calculations and strengthens supplier engagement. By leveraging Higg FEM insights, EILEEN FISHER advances foundational environmental performance, supports science-aligned decarbonization efforts, and enhances data-driven decision-making across its value chain.

Why This Matters

EILEEN FISHER’s approach illustrates how standardized, industry-aligned tools enable sustainability to move from commitment to measurable action. By using the Higg Index:

• Performance is measured consistently across reporting cycles.
• Governance systems are strengthened.
• Working conditions are assessed using structured, comparable criteria.
• Verified data supports public transparency and stakeholder confidence.
• Brand-supplier relationships are strengthened through mutual transparency.

This reflects Cascale’s mission to deliver credible tools built on strong frameworks and methodologies, as well as aligned standards and strong governance systems that enable collective progress across climate and decent work priorities.

By integrating brand-level and facility-level measurement into corporate oversight and supplier engagement, EILEEN FISHER demonstrates how social and environmental sustainability performance can be embedded into governance — advancing transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the value chain.

Case IH, a CNH brand, is now offering farmers in North America a new strip-till solution built on the proven agronomic performance of Case IH tillage equipment, delivering enhanced soil conservation while maintaining strong yield potential. The Nutri-Tiller 1000 series strip-till tool offers farmers the best of no-till and conventional tillage benefits with fewer field passes needed, reduced costs and integrated precision technology.

The Nutri-Tiller 1000 series strip-till tool helps farmers promote strong, early emergence and boost yield potential by creating a uniform strip with an ideal berm shape. The uniform soil environment provides earlier soil temperature warming and more consistent moisture at planting to promote fast, uniform emergence.

“The Nutri-Tiller 1000 series is designed to deliver exceptional tillage results while championing long-term soil health and conservation,” said CJ Parker, soil management marketing manager at Case IH. “By minimizing compaction and leaving protective residue between the strips, it enhances the soil’s nutrient utilization— helping farmers protect their soil while supporting strong yield potential.”

CINCINNATI, April 15, 2026 /3BL/ – Fifth Third Bank’s (Nasdaq: FITB) long-standing commitment to the communities it serves has again been recognized with an Outstanding rating – the highest possible – on its most recent Community Reinvestment Act examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, reflecting excellent performance in community lending, investment and service from the evaluation period of Jan 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.

“Our ambition is to be the one bank people most value and trust, and that begins with how we serve our communities,” said Tim Spence, chairman, CEO and president of Fifth Third. “At Fifth Third, we believe that strong banks need strong communities. This Outstanding rating from the OCC reflects the dedication of our employees and partners who work every day to expand access to capital, create housing and community development, support small businesses, and strengthen communities across our expanding footprint.”

For much of the evaluation period, Fifth Third’s community reinvestment efforts focused on advancing place-based economic development through initiatives such as the Fifth Third Neighborhood Program, which since 2021 has invested nearly $410 million in urban communities across the U.S. and helped catalyze an additional $200 million of investment from partners. The program recently expanded to help facilitate place-based economic development in small and mid-sized cities.

“At Fifth Third, we believe everyone deserves equal access to the American dream. Our place-based, people-first approach to economic development focuses on expanding opportunity and removing barriers so that more individuals, families and communities can achieve economic mobility,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third.

Fifth Third’s place-based economic development approach combines the deployment of capital with a core solutions toolkit, including investments and financing for housing, small business support and technical assistance, financial access and mobility programs, philanthropy for workforce development, and actions to address climate resiliency and energy affordability for residents. This approach leverages innovative financing tools – including New Markets Tax Credits, program-related investments and assistance programs – to expand access to economic opportunity.

In its consumer lending practices, Fifth Third is recognized as an industry‑leading mortgage bank that treats every loan as unique, grounded in a deep understanding of each borrower’s individual needs rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all transaction. The Bank invests in first‑time homebuyer education for low‑ to moderate‑income borrowers and regularly hosts regional homeownership summits that convene real estate professionals, nonprofit partners, and housing developers. These events are intentionally designed to remove barriers to participation, offering free childcare and family‑friendly activities to ensure broader access and engagement.

The Bank also offers a range of affordable lending solutions designed to make homeownership more attainable for more families. From 2022 through 2024, Fifth Third provided meaningful financial support to homeowners. Fifth Third directly assisted more than 2,300 families by delivering $7.3 million in down payment and closing cost assistance, fee waivers, and support through its Equity Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program. Through partnerships and the layering of additional assistance programs, Fifth Third customers received an additional $2.4 million in benefits, bringing the total homeowner savings delivered to $9.7 million.

Fifth Third also reinvests in its communities by expanding financial access and inclusion. The Bank focuses on creating opportunity for individuals, families and small businesses, especially those historically excluded from the financial system, through inclusive banking solutions, community partnerships and targeted investments. These efforts include financial education delivered through schools, nonprofits and community partners, as well as the Fifth Third Financial Empowerment Mobile, or eBus, which brings financial services, education and critical social resources directly to underserved communities in partnership with SpringFour, a leading social impact financial wellness fintech that uses technology to provide access to more than 24,000 free local, statewide and national financial wellness resources from nonprofit and government agencies.

Fifth Third last received an Outstanding CRA rating from the OCC dated July 2022, and previously received an Outstanding CRA rating from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland in 2018.

###

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies^® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ^® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

NEW YORK and SINGAPORE, April 15, 2026 /3BL/ – The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for advancing healthy buildings, organizations and communities, announced the launch of its WELL–GRI Social Topic Standards Alignment Tool, a resource that maps strategies in the WELL Standard to GRI Social Topic Standards disclosures. The tool is designed to bridge the gap between asset-level performance and corporate-level sustainability reporting, translating health, well-being and social impact into the language of one of the world’s most widely adopted frameworks.

Based on IWBI’s analysis, WELL strategies may contribute to 52% of GRI Social Topic Standards (GRI 400 series) disclosures, with particularly strong alignment across disclosures on employment, non-discrimination, child and forced labor, rights of indigenous peoples, local communities and supplier social assessment.

“Social sustainability is gaining momentum worldwide, reshaping how organizations invest, measure performance and make decisions,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “This new tool helps translate asset and portfolio performance into clear, corporate-level sustainability reporting, accelerating adoption of strategies that strengthen health, well-being and social impact.”

Guided by a people-first approach, the WELL Standard serves as a comprehensive roadmap for organizations to promote human health while aligning with broader sustainability goals. This alignment tool was developed in response to the growing emphasis on sustainability regulations, frameworks and disclosure standards with a social focus — reflecting a key driver in the evolving global sustainability landscape, corporate strategy and best practices.

Global Reporting Initiative’s GRI Standards remain the most widely used sustainability reporting standards globally. GRI is also the most widely adopted sustainability reporting standard among IWBI’s WELL at scale participants based on its Goals Module.

The alignment tool provides detailed alignment rationales, aiming to enable WELL leaders to more effectively articulate how people-first strategies drive measurable impact across organizations, value chains and communities—while supporting sustainability reporting, strategy development and broader sustainable finance conversations.

“This transformative, yet practical tool is designed to elevate the essential roles of health, well-being and social sustainability, positioning them as central drivers within broader ESG reporting and sustainable finance conversations,” said Minjia Yang, IWBI’s Vice President and Head of Sustainable Finance.

Yang added: “We welcome organizations to leverage this tool to strengthen advisory services, enhance corporate disclosures, and further embed social sustainability into capital markets and governance structures.”

To access the WELL–GRI Social Topic Standards Alignment Tool and learn more about its benefits, please visit the resource page.

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.

Media contact:
media@wellcertified.com

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