Tag: 3BL

EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 7, 2026 /3BL/ – SCS Global Services, a leading international third-party certification and standards organization, announced the appointment of John Parker as Managing Director of its Energy, Biomaterials and Circularity (EBC) Division.

Parker will oversee a portfolio of programs spanning low-carbon fuels, sustainable biomaterials, circularity, and responsible sourcing — including verification and certification services under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) programs in California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada; the federal 45Z Clean Fuel Production tax credit; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes; the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard; Bonsucro; and sustainable palm oil frameworks.

Parker brings more than two decades of leadership experience across sustainability, water, and natural resources markets. He joins SCS from Tetra Tech, where he served as Vice President of Operations, directing a large, complex portfolio of global sustainability programs across more than 30 countries in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. He also led the firm’s international Environment and Natural Resources division, with responsibility for growth, global expansion, and technical leadership.

Earlier in his career, Parker directed global water stewardship initiatives in support of the U.S. Government’s first Global Water Strategy and managed multi-country natural resources programs in Central America and East Africa. He began his career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in aquaculture in Ecuador’s Amazon Basin.

Parker has published research on water resources management, climate risk and resilience, and sustainable food systems. He holds a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy in International Environment and Resource Policy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a Master of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environment from the Friedman School of Nutrition at Tufts University.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome John to SCS. John’s track record managing a large and complex sustainability program at Tetra Tech is exactly the kind of leadership the EBC division needs as it continues to scale globally,” said CEO Matthew Rudolf. “His deep operational experience in energy, natural resources, and international business makes him the ideal person to take SCS to the next level and we are thrilled to have him join the team.”

“SCS has spent four decades building the credibility and technical rigor that this work demands. I’m joining at a moment when the stakes for getting low-carbon and responsible sourcing certifications right have never been higher, and there’s no organization better positioned to lead,” added Parker.

The EBC Division supports companies and organizations seeking certification and verification across some of the world’s most consequential sustainability challenges, including decarbonizing fuel supply chains, advancing circular material flows, and ensuring responsible sourcing of agricultural commodities.

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating over 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

Media Contact 

Rachel Barnhart  
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations  
SCS Global Services  
Email: rbarnhart@scsglobalservices.com 

NEW ORLEANS, April 7, 2026 /3BL/ – Entergy today announced the publishing of its 2025 Performance Report, “Energy for a Better Future,” detailing the company’s achievements last year and the strategic priorities guiding its path forward on behalf of customers and communities. The report includes financial performance as well as updates on local economic development, environmental stewardship, support for the communities we serve and governance practices that support positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

“After a dynamic and productive 2025, Entergy continues to advance the energy solutions our customers and communities depend on,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy chair and chief executive officer. “From modernizing the electric grid to expanding generation resources, we are committed to partnering with our stakeholders to shape a more resilient and sustainable energy future.”

Highlights from 2025 include:

Driving growth in our region. We are an engaged partner in economic development for our region, helping attract or expand 85 economic projects last year. These projects represent a capital investment in local communities by companies totaling more than $77 billion and more than 12,000 new jobs. In support of that growth, we added electric service agreements totaling more than 3.5 gigawatts last year.

Maintaining a resilient power grid. We’re actively at work on projects designed to deliver more reliable power — fewer outages and faster restoration when needed — to our customers. Through the end of 2025, our operating companies have invested more than $800 million in approved accelerated resilience projects.

Strengthening affordability for our customers. We are committed to keeping bills as low as possible for all our customers, especially for those who struggle financially. We promote energy efficiency initiatives that help individual customers save money by reducing their usage. This includes energy audits, incentives, rebates and products to make people’s homes or businesses more energy efficient. Our Bill Toolkit empowers customers with resources and available assistance options to help them more easily manage their energy bills.

Empowering our communities. Giving back to our communities, and empowering them, is at the core of our mission. Our focus on corporate social responsibility last year made a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers and communities, resulting in an economic impact of more than $145 million across our service area. Our dedicated employees were vital to this success, contributing 169,000 hours of volunteer service, valued at $5.8 million. That highlight of our commitment was reinforced by being recognized by Points of Light as an honoree of The Civic 50 for the 10th consecutive year, leading the way in employee volunteerism and community investment.

Delivering on our financial commitments. Our 2025 adjusted earnings per share was $3.91, in the top half of our guidance range. We are investing in our power delivery system to improve reliability and resilience, and we are expanding our clean, modern generation to support rapidly growing industrial load and the clean energy goals necessary for our customers.

Explore the report to read about our progress and learn how we’re delivering energy for a better future.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) generates, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for more than 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re focused on keeping costs for our customers as low as possible while providing reliable energy that our communities count on. We’re also investing in growth for the future with a more resilient, cleaner energy system that includes modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy generation. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at Entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media.

Investor inquiries:
Liz Hunter
504-576-3294
ehunte1@entergy.com

Media inquiries:
Cristina del Canto
504-576-4238
mdelcan@entergy.com

View original content here.

Key Takeaways

• Hybrid work presents a significant challenge for evacuation plans: When safety roles depend on specific people being present, remote workdays create dangerous gaps.
• Pen-and-paper manual systems can become bottlenecks that slow down critical decision-making under pressure.
• Shifting from departmental to compartmental thinking avoids the problem of placing responsibility on a single person and enables anyone in the building to help execute the plan. ‘
• Modern facilities like data centers, multi-tenant buildings, and high-rises each present unique evacuation challenges that standard plans rarely address.
• A strong evacuation plan protects people first and foremost, but it also safeguards your reputation, regulatory standing, and stakeholder trust when it counts most.

In the modern professional landscape, the traditional office is no longer a static environment. As organizations embrace flexibility, the foundational safety protocols that once seemed robust are now revealing dangerous cracks. If your role includes responsibility for a compliant evacuation plan, the first step is understanding exactly what you want to do with your people during an emergency.

The following exploration breaks down why traditional plans fail in a hybrid world and how a shift in thinking can protect your organization’s most valuable asset: its people.

The Hybrid Work Conundrum: When Your Safety Net is Working from Home

The acceleration into hybrid working environments has rendered obsolete the traditional methods for training staff to carry out specific emergency roles. In the past, evacuation plans often relied on “Fire Wardens” or “Floor Marshals” — specific individuals trained to sweep a department and report back.

However, training smaller, specific groups of people now leaves you at a significantly higher risk of having gaps in your plan. On any given Tuesday, your designated safety lead might be working remotely, leaving an entire wing of a building without an assigned clearing official. This creates a conundrum for EHS managers: do you leave your plan with these identifiable risks, or do you change your thinking entirely?

The High Cost of Guesswork: Lessons from a London Arts Complex

Not getting your evacuation strategy right leads to immediate confusion and potential tragedy. We experienced this first-hand during a meeting with the on-site team at a world-renowned arts and cultural complex in London. While the team was robustly defending their existing process, an unplanned evacuation occurred.

We witnessed their system fall apart in real-time. The ensuing chaos revealed a plan founded on guesswork and luck rather than usable information. There was a visible lack of training and ownership, and the “clipboard and pen” method—which many organizations still rely on—proved to be a major bottleneck during the crisis. While this specific incident was a false alarm without lasting consequences, it served as a stark reminder: when things go wrong, getting the right information quickly is key.

A Case for Accountability: The Somerset House Success Story

In contrast to the chaos of manual systems, Somerset House provides a powerful example of modern preparedness. They had recently installed a comprehensive TagEvac system throughout their building, supported by online training to ensure everyone was ready.

When a significant fire occurred at Somerset House — an event that made international news — the system’s value was proven. Because the plan focused on a visual, accountable process rather than a person-dependent one, the building was managed effectively under extreme pressure. This success highlights the difference between a plan that looks good on paper and one that works when the alarm sounds.

Beyond the Office: Addressing Complex Safety Scenarios

Modern EHS planning must account for more than just a standard office layout. To build a successful and compliant plan, you must consider a variety of complex scenarios:

• Multi-Tenanted Occupancy: Coordinating between different organizations where safety cultures and evacuation protocols may vary.
• Data Centers & Secure Spaces: Managing lone workers in high-security data halls or environments where communication is inherently difficult.
• Warehouses & Tall Buildings: Navigating the logistics of clearing massive floor plates or coordinating vertical evacuations in high-rise structures.
• Evacuation vs. Invacuation: Ensuring your system can handle both clearing a building and “sheltering in place” during external threats.
• Contractor & Visitor Management: Seamlessly integrating people who are not part of your daily workforce into your safety protocol.

Shifting the Strategy: From Departmental to Compartmental Thinking

A major flaw in traditional planning is “departmental thinking” — the idea that safety is the responsibility of a specific group of people. In a hybrid world, you must transition to “compartmental thinking,” where the focus shifts to clearing physical zones of a building.

By using a visual system like TagEvac, you empower anyone — not just a trained warden — to confirm a compartment is clear. This removes the single point of failure and ensures the process remains consistent regardless of who is in the building that day.

The Business Case for Modernized Evacuation Plans

A compliant and successful evacuation plan is not just about safety; it is a critical component of brand and operational resilience. A robust plan allows you to:

• Maintain Corporate & Social Responsibility: Demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting your “key asset” — your people.
• Avoid Brand Damage: Prevent the negative PR and loss of trust that follows a chaotic incident.
• Ensure Compliance: Stay ahead of regulatory requirements and avoid costly fines.
• Prove Value to Stakeholders: Show employees and customers that you possess the credentials and care to manage a modern workspace safely.

Conclusion: Stop Guessing and Start Preparing

In an era of hybrid work and evolving threats, “guesswork and luck” are no longer acceptable components of an Emergency Action Plan. The partnership between Antea Group and TagEvac is designed to eliminate these variables by combining world-class EHS consulting with a physical, accountable system that works every time. Now is the time to do the thinking and ask yourself “why?” Why rely on a clipboard when lives and business continuity are on the line?

Ensure Your Facility is Ready for Anything

Don’t let a hybrid workforce leave gaps in your safety plan. Contact the experts at Antea Group today to review your Emergency Preparedness strategy and discover how our partnership with TagEvac can deliver a consistent, compliant, and accountable solution for your organization.

About the Author

Martin Reed is a Director at TagEvac with a career dedicated to the advancement of fire safety and protection. Beginning his journey in the Merchant Navy, Martin developed a “ready for anything” mindset that has informed his professional approach for over 20 years. As a co-founder of businesses specializing in both Active and Passive Fire Protection, he was instrumental in the formation of the Fire Industry Association. Martin is passionate about helping organizations implement precise, effective safety protocols that protect people and maintain corporate credentials.

Key Takeaways

• Hybrid work presents a significant challenge for evacuation plans: When safety roles depend on specific people being present, remote workdays create dangerous gaps.
• Pen-and-paper manual systems can become bottlenecks that slow down critical decision-making under pressure.
• Shifting from departmental to compartmental thinking avoids the problem of placing responsibility on a single person and enables anyone in the building to help execute the plan. ‘
• Modern facilities like data centers, multi-tenant buildings, and high-rises each present unique evacuation challenges that standard plans rarely address.
• A strong evacuation plan protects people first and foremost, but it also safeguards your reputation, regulatory standing, and stakeholder trust when it counts most.

In the modern professional landscape, the traditional office is no longer a static environment. As organizations embrace flexibility, the foundational safety protocols that once seemed robust are now revealing dangerous cracks. If your role includes responsibility for a compliant evacuation plan, the first step is understanding exactly what you want to do with your people during an emergency.

The following exploration breaks down why traditional plans fail in a hybrid world and how a shift in thinking can protect your organization’s most valuable asset: its people.

The Hybrid Work Conundrum: When Your Safety Net is Working from Home

The acceleration into hybrid working environments has rendered obsolete the traditional methods for training staff to carry out specific emergency roles. In the past, evacuation plans often relied on “Fire Wardens” or “Floor Marshals” — specific individuals trained to sweep a department and report back.

However, training smaller, specific groups of people now leaves you at a significantly higher risk of having gaps in your plan. On any given Tuesday, your designated safety lead might be working remotely, leaving an entire wing of a building without an assigned clearing official. This creates a conundrum for EHS managers: do you leave your plan with these identifiable risks, or do you change your thinking entirely?

The High Cost of Guesswork: Lessons from a London Arts Complex

Not getting your evacuation strategy right leads to immediate confusion and potential tragedy. We experienced this first-hand during a meeting with the on-site team at a world-renowned arts and cultural complex in London. While the team was robustly defending their existing process, an unplanned evacuation occurred.

We witnessed their system fall apart in real-time. The ensuing chaos revealed a plan founded on guesswork and luck rather than usable information. There was a visible lack of training and ownership, and the “clipboard and pen” method—which many organizations still rely on—proved to be a major bottleneck during the crisis. While this specific incident was a false alarm without lasting consequences, it served as a stark reminder: when things go wrong, getting the right information quickly is key.

A Case for Accountability: The Somerset House Success Story

In contrast to the chaos of manual systems, Somerset House provides a powerful example of modern preparedness. They had recently installed a comprehensive TagEvac system throughout their building, supported by online training to ensure everyone was ready.

When a significant fire occurred at Somerset House — an event that made international news — the system’s value was proven. Because the plan focused on a visual, accountable process rather than a person-dependent one, the building was managed effectively under extreme pressure. This success highlights the difference between a plan that looks good on paper and one that works when the alarm sounds.

Beyond the Office: Addressing Complex Safety Scenarios

Modern EHS planning must account for more than just a standard office layout. To build a successful and compliant plan, you must consider a variety of complex scenarios:

• Multi-Tenanted Occupancy: Coordinating between different organizations where safety cultures and evacuation protocols may vary.
• Data Centers & Secure Spaces: Managing lone workers in high-security data halls or environments where communication is inherently difficult.
• Warehouses & Tall Buildings: Navigating the logistics of clearing massive floor plates or coordinating vertical evacuations in high-rise structures.
• Evacuation vs. Invacuation: Ensuring your system can handle both clearing a building and “sheltering in place” during external threats.
• Contractor & Visitor Management: Seamlessly integrating people who are not part of your daily workforce into your safety protocol.

Shifting the Strategy: From Departmental to Compartmental Thinking

A major flaw in traditional planning is “departmental thinking” — the idea that safety is the responsibility of a specific group of people. In a hybrid world, you must transition to “compartmental thinking,” where the focus shifts to clearing physical zones of a building.

By using a visual system like TagEvac, you empower anyone — not just a trained warden — to confirm a compartment is clear. This removes the single point of failure and ensures the process remains consistent regardless of who is in the building that day.

The Business Case for Modernized Evacuation Plans

A compliant and successful evacuation plan is not just about safety; it is a critical component of brand and operational resilience. A robust plan allows you to:

• Maintain Corporate & Social Responsibility: Demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting your “key asset” — your people.
• Avoid Brand Damage: Prevent the negative PR and loss of trust that follows a chaotic incident.
• Ensure Compliance: Stay ahead of regulatory requirements and avoid costly fines.
• Prove Value to Stakeholders: Show employees and customers that you possess the credentials and care to manage a modern workspace safely.

Conclusion: Stop Guessing and Start Preparing

In an era of hybrid work and evolving threats, “guesswork and luck” are no longer acceptable components of an Emergency Action Plan. The partnership between Antea Group and TagEvac is designed to eliminate these variables by combining world-class EHS consulting with a physical, accountable system that works every time. Now is the time to do the thinking and ask yourself “why?” Why rely on a clipboard when lives and business continuity are on the line?

Ensure Your Facility is Ready for Anything

Don’t let a hybrid workforce leave gaps in your safety plan. Contact the experts at Antea Group today to review your Emergency Preparedness strategy and discover how our partnership with TagEvac can deliver a consistent, compliant, and accountable solution for your organization.

About the Author

Martin Reed is a Director at TagEvac with a career dedicated to the advancement of fire safety and protection. Beginning his journey in the Merchant Navy, Martin developed a “ready for anything” mindset that has informed his professional approach for over 20 years. As a co-founder of businesses specializing in both Active and Passive Fire Protection, he was instrumental in the formation of the Fire Industry Association. Martin is passionate about helping organizations implement precise, effective safety protocols that protect people and maintain corporate credentials.

Key Takeaways

• Hybrid work presents a significant challenge for evacuation plans: When safety roles depend on specific people being present, remote workdays create dangerous gaps.
• Pen-and-paper manual systems can become bottlenecks that slow down critical decision-making under pressure.
• Shifting from departmental to compartmental thinking avoids the problem of placing responsibility on a single person and enables anyone in the building to help execute the plan. ‘
• Modern facilities like data centers, multi-tenant buildings, and high-rises each present unique evacuation challenges that standard plans rarely address.
• A strong evacuation plan protects people first and foremost, but it also safeguards your reputation, regulatory standing, and stakeholder trust when it counts most.

In the modern professional landscape, the traditional office is no longer a static environment. As organizations embrace flexibility, the foundational safety protocols that once seemed robust are now revealing dangerous cracks. If your role includes responsibility for a compliant evacuation plan, the first step is understanding exactly what you want to do with your people during an emergency.

The following exploration breaks down why traditional plans fail in a hybrid world and how a shift in thinking can protect your organization’s most valuable asset: its people.

The Hybrid Work Conundrum: When Your Safety Net is Working from Home

The acceleration into hybrid working environments has rendered obsolete the traditional methods for training staff to carry out specific emergency roles. In the past, evacuation plans often relied on “Fire Wardens” or “Floor Marshals” — specific individuals trained to sweep a department and report back.

However, training smaller, specific groups of people now leaves you at a significantly higher risk of having gaps in your plan. On any given Tuesday, your designated safety lead might be working remotely, leaving an entire wing of a building without an assigned clearing official. This creates a conundrum for EHS managers: do you leave your plan with these identifiable risks, or do you change your thinking entirely?

The High Cost of Guesswork: Lessons from a London Arts Complex

Not getting your evacuation strategy right leads to immediate confusion and potential tragedy. We experienced this first-hand during a meeting with the on-site team at a world-renowned arts and cultural complex in London. While the team was robustly defending their existing process, an unplanned evacuation occurred.

We witnessed their system fall apart in real-time. The ensuing chaos revealed a plan founded on guesswork and luck rather than usable information. There was a visible lack of training and ownership, and the “clipboard and pen” method—which many organizations still rely on—proved to be a major bottleneck during the crisis. While this specific incident was a false alarm without lasting consequences, it served as a stark reminder: when things go wrong, getting the right information quickly is key.

A Case for Accountability: The Somerset House Success Story

In contrast to the chaos of manual systems, Somerset House provides a powerful example of modern preparedness. They had recently installed a comprehensive TagEvac system throughout their building, supported by online training to ensure everyone was ready.

When a significant fire occurred at Somerset House — an event that made international news — the system’s value was proven. Because the plan focused on a visual, accountable process rather than a person-dependent one, the building was managed effectively under extreme pressure. This success highlights the difference between a plan that looks good on paper and one that works when the alarm sounds.

Beyond the Office: Addressing Complex Safety Scenarios

Modern EHS planning must account for more than just a standard office layout. To build a successful and compliant plan, you must consider a variety of complex scenarios:

• Multi-Tenanted Occupancy: Coordinating between different organizations where safety cultures and evacuation protocols may vary.
• Data Centers & Secure Spaces: Managing lone workers in high-security data halls or environments where communication is inherently difficult.
• Warehouses & Tall Buildings: Navigating the logistics of clearing massive floor plates or coordinating vertical evacuations in high-rise structures.
• Evacuation vs. Invacuation: Ensuring your system can handle both clearing a building and “sheltering in place” during external threats.
• Contractor & Visitor Management: Seamlessly integrating people who are not part of your daily workforce into your safety protocol.

Shifting the Strategy: From Departmental to Compartmental Thinking

A major flaw in traditional planning is “departmental thinking” — the idea that safety is the responsibility of a specific group of people. In a hybrid world, you must transition to “compartmental thinking,” where the focus shifts to clearing physical zones of a building.

By using a visual system like TagEvac, you empower anyone — not just a trained warden — to confirm a compartment is clear. This removes the single point of failure and ensures the process remains consistent regardless of who is in the building that day.

The Business Case for Modernized Evacuation Plans

A compliant and successful evacuation plan is not just about safety; it is a critical component of brand and operational resilience. A robust plan allows you to:

• Maintain Corporate & Social Responsibility: Demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting your “key asset” — your people.
• Avoid Brand Damage: Prevent the negative PR and loss of trust that follows a chaotic incident.
• Ensure Compliance: Stay ahead of regulatory requirements and avoid costly fines.
• Prove Value to Stakeholders: Show employees and customers that you possess the credentials and care to manage a modern workspace safely.

Conclusion: Stop Guessing and Start Preparing

In an era of hybrid work and evolving threats, “guesswork and luck” are no longer acceptable components of an Emergency Action Plan. The partnership between Antea Group and TagEvac is designed to eliminate these variables by combining world-class EHS consulting with a physical, accountable system that works every time. Now is the time to do the thinking and ask yourself “why?” Why rely on a clipboard when lives and business continuity are on the line?

Ensure Your Facility is Ready for Anything

Don’t let a hybrid workforce leave gaps in your safety plan. Contact the experts at Antea Group today to review your Emergency Preparedness strategy and discover how our partnership with TagEvac can deliver a consistent, compliant, and accountable solution for your organization.

About the Author

Martin Reed is a Director at TagEvac with a career dedicated to the advancement of fire safety and protection. Beginning his journey in the Merchant Navy, Martin developed a “ready for anything” mindset that has informed his professional approach for over 20 years. As a co-founder of businesses specializing in both Active and Passive Fire Protection, he was instrumental in the formation of the Fire Industry Association. Martin is passionate about helping organizations implement precise, effective safety protocols that protect people and maintain corporate credentials.

by Minjia Yang and Kristen Coco

April 7, 2026 /3BL/ – IWBI’s Investing in Health Pays Back: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Healthy Organizations special report brings together the largest collection of research to date that links investments in health and well-being to measurable economic returns.

The report explores the rising importance of social sustainability, showing how health-related metrics are being embedded into sustainable finance vehicles and reshaping investment decisions at scale. By the end of 2025, WELL has been incorporated in 13 different types of financial instruments—including green bonds, social bonds and sustainability-linked bonds and loans—and featured in sustainable finance frameworks, regulatory guides, reports and case studies in 29 countries, spanning five continents.

Sustainable finance is undergoing a notable evolution, with social sustainability emerging as a critical dimension in how investment frameworks define impact and assess risk. As the field matures, metrics related to human health, inclusion and well-being are increasingly seen not just as socially responsible, but as material factors shaping long-term financial performance.

The global sustainable debt market continues to demonstrate strong growth and resilience, with cumulative aligned issuance reaching $6.8 trillion USD by the end of 2025, according to the latest Global State of the Market 2025 report from the Climate Bonds, reflecting the increasing integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into financial markets. The rapid growth of sustainable debt financing underscores the evolving role of ESG-linked financial instruments in global markets. While green finance has long dominated the sector, the inclusion of social KPIs in sustainability-linked loans and bonds represents a critical shift toward a more holistic approach to sustainable finance.

Despite past perceptions that social metrics are less quantifiable than environmental ones, issuers and investors now have a unique opportunity to reshape financial markets by prioritizing transparent, verifiable and benchmarkable social KPIs. By doing so, they can enhance trust, credibility and financial performance while unlocking new avenues for sustainable investment and long-term value creation.

Case studies from Starwood Property Trust, CapitaLand Development and Colliers demonstrate how organizations around the world are integrating health, well-being and broader social considerations into their financing strategies. These examples highlight that social sustainability is no longer just a qualitative ambition—it is now measurable, financially material and directly tied to investment decisions.

By leveraging third-party verified certifications and ratings like WELL and aligning with recognized frameworks such as ICMA’s Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles, companies can structure financial instruments that not only meet sustainability commitments but also communicate their long-term vision and potentially unlock tangible financial benefits. As social sustainability continues to gain traction in global regulations, corporate strategies and investor priorities, its integration into sustainable finance will be key to driving long-term economic resilience and societal impact.

Dive into this special section (p. 56) of the report as it traces the rise of social considerations in sustainable debt financing, explores the growing prominence of WELL Certification and ratings across a range of sustainable finance vehicles and makes the case that health is not only central to social sustainability—but a strategic priority for investors focused on resilient returns.

Download the full report at https://www.wellcertified.com/health-pays-back.

Join IWBI at the WELL 2026 Social Sustainability Summit, on Wednesday, April 15, as we explore how people-first strategies are shaping the future of business in Asia Pacific. Register here.

View original content here.

by Minjia Yang and Kristen Coco

April 7, 2026 /3BL/ – IWBI’s Investing in Health Pays Back: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Healthy Organizations special report brings together the largest collection of research to date that links investments in health and well-being to measurable economic returns.

The report explores the rising importance of social sustainability, showing how health-related metrics are being embedded into sustainable finance vehicles and reshaping investment decisions at scale. By the end of 2025, WELL has been incorporated in 13 different types of financial instruments—including green bonds, social bonds and sustainability-linked bonds and loans—and featured in sustainable finance frameworks, regulatory guides, reports and case studies in 29 countries, spanning five continents.

Sustainable finance is undergoing a notable evolution, with social sustainability emerging as a critical dimension in how investment frameworks define impact and assess risk. As the field matures, metrics related to human health, inclusion and well-being are increasingly seen not just as socially responsible, but as material factors shaping long-term financial performance.

The global sustainable debt market continues to demonstrate strong growth and resilience, with cumulative aligned issuance reaching $6.8 trillion USD by the end of 2025, according to the latest Global State of the Market 2025 report from the Climate Bonds, reflecting the increasing integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into financial markets. The rapid growth of sustainable debt financing underscores the evolving role of ESG-linked financial instruments in global markets. While green finance has long dominated the sector, the inclusion of social KPIs in sustainability-linked loans and bonds represents a critical shift toward a more holistic approach to sustainable finance.

Despite past perceptions that social metrics are less quantifiable than environmental ones, issuers and investors now have a unique opportunity to reshape financial markets by prioritizing transparent, verifiable and benchmarkable social KPIs. By doing so, they can enhance trust, credibility and financial performance while unlocking new avenues for sustainable investment and long-term value creation.

Case studies from Starwood Property Trust, CapitaLand Development and Colliers demonstrate how organizations around the world are integrating health, well-being and broader social considerations into their financing strategies. These examples highlight that social sustainability is no longer just a qualitative ambition—it is now measurable, financially material and directly tied to investment decisions.

By leveraging third-party verified certifications and ratings like WELL and aligning with recognized frameworks such as ICMA’s Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles, companies can structure financial instruments that not only meet sustainability commitments but also communicate their long-term vision and potentially unlock tangible financial benefits. As social sustainability continues to gain traction in global regulations, corporate strategies and investor priorities, its integration into sustainable finance will be key to driving long-term economic resilience and societal impact.

Dive into this special section (p. 56) of the report as it traces the rise of social considerations in sustainable debt financing, explores the growing prominence of WELL Certification and ratings across a range of sustainable finance vehicles and makes the case that health is not only central to social sustainability—but a strategic priority for investors focused on resilient returns.

Download the full report at https://www.wellcertified.com/health-pays-back.

Join IWBI at the WELL 2026 Social Sustainability Summit, on Wednesday, April 15, as we explore how people-first strategies are shaping the future of business in Asia Pacific. Register here.

View original content here.

by Minjia Yang and Kristen Coco

April 7, 2026 /3BL/ – IWBI’s Investing in Health Pays Back: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Healthy Organizations special report brings together the largest collection of research to date that links investments in health and well-being to measurable economic returns.

The report explores the rising importance of social sustainability, showing how health-related metrics are being embedded into sustainable finance vehicles and reshaping investment decisions at scale. By the end of 2025, WELL has been incorporated in 13 different types of financial instruments—including green bonds, social bonds and sustainability-linked bonds and loans—and featured in sustainable finance frameworks, regulatory guides, reports and case studies in 29 countries, spanning five continents.

Sustainable finance is undergoing a notable evolution, with social sustainability emerging as a critical dimension in how investment frameworks define impact and assess risk. As the field matures, metrics related to human health, inclusion and well-being are increasingly seen not just as socially responsible, but as material factors shaping long-term financial performance.

The global sustainable debt market continues to demonstrate strong growth and resilience, with cumulative aligned issuance reaching $6.8 trillion USD by the end of 2025, according to the latest Global State of the Market 2025 report from the Climate Bonds, reflecting the increasing integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into financial markets. The rapid growth of sustainable debt financing underscores the evolving role of ESG-linked financial instruments in global markets. While green finance has long dominated the sector, the inclusion of social KPIs in sustainability-linked loans and bonds represents a critical shift toward a more holistic approach to sustainable finance.

Despite past perceptions that social metrics are less quantifiable than environmental ones, issuers and investors now have a unique opportunity to reshape financial markets by prioritizing transparent, verifiable and benchmarkable social KPIs. By doing so, they can enhance trust, credibility and financial performance while unlocking new avenues for sustainable investment and long-term value creation.

Case studies from Starwood Property Trust, CapitaLand Development and Colliers demonstrate how organizations around the world are integrating health, well-being and broader social considerations into their financing strategies. These examples highlight that social sustainability is no longer just a qualitative ambition—it is now measurable, financially material and directly tied to investment decisions.

By leveraging third-party verified certifications and ratings like WELL and aligning with recognized frameworks such as ICMA’s Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles, companies can structure financial instruments that not only meet sustainability commitments but also communicate their long-term vision and potentially unlock tangible financial benefits. As social sustainability continues to gain traction in global regulations, corporate strategies and investor priorities, its integration into sustainable finance will be key to driving long-term economic resilience and societal impact.

Dive into this special section (p. 56) of the report as it traces the rise of social considerations in sustainable debt financing, explores the growing prominence of WELL Certification and ratings across a range of sustainable finance vehicles and makes the case that health is not only central to social sustainability—but a strategic priority for investors focused on resilient returns.

Download the full report at https://www.wellcertified.com/health-pays-back.

Join IWBI at the WELL 2026 Social Sustainability Summit, on Wednesday, April 15, as we explore how people-first strategies are shaping the future of business in Asia Pacific. Register here.

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Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Life is full of unexpected moments, and unique choices and conventional milestones, like getting married or starting a new job, can be bypassed or reached at different times by different people. No matter when, if or how you reach these milestones, it’s important to make sure the future you build for yourself is protected.

Supplemental insurance can help be an added safety net for any stage and any experience. Aflac offers insurance coverage that can help protect you and your loved ones, in various stages of life. Read on to see how supplemental insurance can be there for you.

Just turned 26

Turning 26 is an important milestone, though it rarely gets a special celebration. It is a key moment because, at this age, many young adults roll off their parents’ health care plans and may be navigating the world of insurance for the first time.

A great place to start is checking to see if your employer offers health care coverage. Major medical coverage helps take care of a wide range of health care costs, while supplemental insurance helps with expenses that may not be covered by major medical insurance, helping protect you from out-of-pocket costs.

Some employers offer supplemental insurance plans such as hospital indemnity coverage. This plan can help with costs related to going to the hospital, high deductibles and even with prescriptions. Because it pays cash benefits directly to you, unless otherwise assigned, it could help with many out-of-pocket expenses. Accident and cancer insurance are other types of coverage that you should ask about at work.

Helping protect your finances

Building a nest egg, whether for a child’s college fund, retirement or an emergency fund, is an important aspect of financial planning — equally important is how you protect your income. There are plenty of insurance options that can help play that role, whether you enroll through your employer, you own your own business or your workplace doesn’t offer supplemental insurance coverage.

For example, critical illness insurance is a great option for someone whose earnings play an important role in family finances. Its lump-sum benefits can help maintain financial stability in the face of a diagnosis. It is also a great fit for anyone with a family history of life-changing illnesses.

On the road

The road warrior lifestyle can look different for everyone along for the ride, whether it’s working freelance jobs and seasonal work or creating social media content about your travel journeys. There are a wide range of options to help protect that lifestyle, including accident, hospital or cancer insurance to enhance your major medical insurance.

Accident insurance can be a great fit for someone with a unique job that requires frequent travel or if you lead an active lifestyle, as it can help with a variety of out-of-pocket costs that arise after an injury as well as hospital stays. Accident insurance coverage can also give added peace of mind; you can apply for coverage, and there is no waiting period.

Becoming a caregiver

Caring for a loved one? The aging population in the U.S. is growing, and many millennials, in particular, are finding themselves in the position of caring for their children and their own parents at the same time. If this sound like you, part of a group referred to as the “sandwich generation,” there are various important, personal choices to make, including which supplemental coverage might be the right fit.

Life insurance can help provide financial security for your loved ones. There are different types of plans to choose from to meet your specific needs. Some policies may even offer an option to use funds now rather than after a loss and can help reduce financial burden in times of need.

Walk your own path

Different paths can take you to different places, but at the end of the day, having a safety net to help protect yourself from unexpected expenses can give added peace of mind.

To learn how Aflac can protect you in any stage of life, visit Aflac.com/resources.

^{Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.}

^{Accident: A37000 series – In Delaware, Policy A371AA & A371BA. In Oklahoma, Policies A371AAOK & A371BAOK. Not available in Idaho and Virgina. A38000 series: In Delaware Policies A38100DE – A38300DE & A382OFDE. In Idaho, Policies A38100ID – A38300ID. In Oklahoma A38100OK – A38300OK & A382OFOK. In Virginia Policies A38100VA – A38300VA & A382OFVA.}

^{Cancer: B70000 series – In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK. Not available in New York or Virgina. A75000 series – In Virginia, policies A75100VA–A75300VA.}

^{Critical Illness/Specified Health Event: A74000 series: In Delaware, Policies A74100DE, A74200DE, A74300DE. In Idaho, Policies A74100ID, A74200ID, A74300ID. In Oklahoma, Policies A74100OK, A74200OK, A74300OK. In Virginia, Policies A74100VA, A74200VA, A74300VA. A73000 series: In Delaware, Policies A73100DE & A7310HDE. In Idaho, Policies A73100ID & A7310HID. In Oklahoma, Policies A73100OK & A7310HOK. In Virginia, Policy A73100VA & A7310HVA. Not available in New York. B71000 series: In Delaware, Policies B71100, B71200, B7130H & B7140H. In Oklahoma, Policies B71100OK, B71200OK, B7130HOK & B7140HOK. Not available in Idaho or Virginia.}

^{Life: B60000 series: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Virginia, Policies ICC18B60C10, ICC18B60100, ICC18B60200, ICC18B60300, & ICC18B60400. Not available in Delaware. B61000 Series: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma & Virginia, Policies ICC18B61JWO & ICC18B61JTO. In Delaware, Policies B61JWO, B61JTO. A68000 series: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368100, ICC1368200, ICC1368300, ICC1368400. In Delaware, Policies A68100-A68400. Q60000 series: Group Whole Life – In Arkansas & Delaware, Policy Q60100M. In Idaho Policy Q60100MID. In Oklahoma, Policy Q60100MOK. Group Term Life – In Delaware, Policies Q60200M. In Arkansas, Idaho & Oklahoma, Policies ICC18Q60200M, ICC18Q60300C, ICC18Q60400C.}

^{Hospital: In Delaware, Policies B40100DE & B4010HDE. In Idaho, Policies B40100ID & B4010HID. In Oklahoma, Policies B40100OK & B4010HOK. In Virginia, Policies B40100VA & B4010HVA.}

^{Coverage/plan levels may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.}

^{Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999}

^{Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, NY 12211}

^{Z2600222 Exp. 4/27}

When Priya first enrolled in a vocational training program at her local Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in northern India’s Haryana state, the prospect of a career in technology felt like a future that belonged to someone else.

Across India, ITIs serve as the backbone of vocational education, preparing students like Priya — many of them first-generation learners from underserved communities — for careers in manufacturing, services, and other key industries. But decades of resource constraints at some institutes have led to curricula that need updating, limited professional development opportunities for teachers, and gaps in industry connections.

Oftentimes, these institutions struggle to connect students with modern career opportunities — a risk that could widen the gap between what students are learning and what employers are looking for.

Cisco’s partnership with Quest Alliance, an India-based nonprofit committed to designing solutions that help educators deliver quality skills training, emerged as a direct response to this challenge. One of many nonprofit partners that helped Cisco positively impact 50 million lives in India, Quest Alliance has worked alongside Cisco since 2016. Together, we’re working to drive systemic change across the ITI ecosystem by not only uplifting individual students but also strengthening the institutions and policies that support them.

Strengthening foundations for the future

In 2019, our collaboration with Quest Alliance expanded with the creation of the Future Right Skills Network (FRSN), a multi-stakeholder collaboration originally co-funded by Accenture that today also includes J.P. Morgan, LinkedIn, and SAP Labs India, working alongside key state and central government bodies. FRSN works to make ITIs future-ready through three strategic approaches:

• Shaping national policy in partnership with the Directorate General of Training
• Building capacity among ITI leaders and trainers
• Integrating tech-fueled career development tools like Quest’s MyQuest online platform to extend learning beyond the classroom.

This systems-focused approach was designed to amplify impact. Rather than working with individual students one by one, FRSN focuses on strengthening the institutions and systems that reach students in large numbers, while also working to influence the policies that govern them. Since its founding, the network has supported 2,471 ITIs and reached over 851,000 students. More than 300,000 of those students have benefited directly from Cisco’s support.

The results point to real impact on economic mobility. ITI students with access to digital devices saw their earning opportunities increase by 2.6 times, while those engaging with digital learning platforms experienced a 1.4x improvement in earning potential. In just one year in Haryana, employability skills training contributed to a 50 percent increase in student transitions to jobs aligned with that training.

For students like Priya, these numbers translate into something concrete: a foothold in an economy that had previously felt out of reach. “Before this program, I didn’t think I would ever work in technology,” she says. “But the training I received in employability skills and AI opened doors I didn’t know existed. Today, I’m earning for myself while inspiring others in my community to dream big.”

That individual progress is mirrored at the institutional level. “FRSN has been a valuable partner in advancing our vision for a strong, industry-aligned skilling ecosystem,” says Ms. Trishaljit Sethi, former Director General of Training at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. “By working closely with state governments, industry leaders, and training institutions, it has helped ensure that ITIs are not just training centers, but true enablers of employment.”

Systemic change for scaled impact

Beyond direct program delivery, the partnership has worked to embed future-ready skills into India’s national policy frameworks, helping ensure that the progress made in individual ITIs can take hold across the broader system. FRSN developed a trainer strategy paper for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship that informed updates to the National Skills Policy and helps ensure that ITI trainers receive the professional development and institutional support they need to deliver quality instruction.

Cisco has also supported the development of an “AI for All” curriculum, integrating AI concepts into mainstream ITI programs to equip students with foundational, future-ready AI literacy skills.

By investing in the people and the policies that power India’s vocational schools, Cisco and Quest Alliance are helping to strengthen the systems that support students’ aspirations and build a future-ready workforce — one where students like Priya aren’t just spectators of the digital economy, but active participants.

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