Tag: 3BL

We’re leading by example through responsible operations, reimagining our systems and taking action to have a restorative impact on the environment.

In Oberhausen, Germany, Trane Technologies created an innovation and operations hub designed to support a growing Rental Services business and advanced engineering capabilities in electrification and power electronics. Built with carbon-neutral operations in mind, the facility integrates a sustainable thermal management system, circular rental services and innovation teams in a single footprint. Together with nearby teams in Essen, the sites demonstrate how operational sustainability, electrification and circular business models can work together to support customer decarbonization and business growth.

PROJECT AT-A-GLANCE:

The opportunity:

Support the rapid growth of rental services and electrification engineering capabilities while advancing Trane Technologies’ 2030 Sustainability Commitments, reducing the environmental impact of operations, enabling lower-carbon solutions for customers and strengthening opportunities for engineering talent and innovation.

The solutions:

An integrated thermal management system eliminates the need for fossil fuel heating and cooling across the facility. Waste heat from cooling is captured and stored in a large buffer tank, where it can be reused to support equipment testing operations. The site also uses advanced Trane controls and building management systems to continuously optimize performance. Rainwater harvesting avoids using fresh water for equipment cleaning. And the facility supports an expanded circular rental services hub, capable of serving customer applications across an exceptional thermal range.

Sustainability outcomes:

• Carbon-neutral facility operations with no fossil fuel heating or cooling
• More than 500,000 kg of CO₂ emissions avoided annually through efficient thermal management and building systems
• Reduced freshwater demand through rainwater harvesting
• Circular rental model extending equipment life through refurbishment and redeployment across multiple customer applications
• Electrification innovations such as Thermo King® AxlePower reduce customers’ fuel consumption and emissions in refrigerated transport
• Expanded community partnerships to develop the next generation of sustainability-focused engineers

VIDEO: Leading by Example: Engineered for Sustainability in Oberhausen

A facility engineered for sustainability

Located in Germany’s Ruhr region, one of Europe’s largest industrial areas, Oberhausen and nearby Essen sit at the center of a region that has transformed from coal and steel production into a hub for engineering, logistics and advanced technology.

When the Trane Technologies team began envisioning a facility in Oberhausen, two needs quickly emerged.

One was practical: the Trane Rental Services business in the region was growing rapidly, requiring a larger hub to support expanding equipment fleets, testing capability and customer demand.

At the same time, the local engineering team in Essen was building new capabilities in electrification and power electronics for refrigerated transport, requiring labs and collaboration space to advance next-generation systems.

Bringing these two ambitions together shaped a broader vision for the site – a place where a circular rental services hub and an electrification engineering center could reinforce one another while supporting innovation, talent development and long-term business growth.

The team also set an ambitious goal for the facility to support the company’s 2030 Sustainability Commitments. “We had to think about how to optimize the site’s energy usage,” said Marco Henning, District Leader for Trane Germany. “It was clear Oberhausen needs to be carbon neutral.”

Designed for carbon-neutral operations and a model for customers

The resulting 14,000 square-meter business and innovation hub brings together offices, equipment workshops, training areas and engineering capabilities, and a warehouse, into a single footprint, with sustainability built directly into how the building operates.

A fully integrated thermal management system using a Trane® Sintesis Balance CMAF multi-pipe unit provides simultaneous heating and cooling across the facility without burning fossil fuels. When only comfort cooling is required, a Trane® Sintesis Advantage CXAF air-to-water heat pump recovers the heat that would otherwise be wasted, and stores it in a 50,000-liter water buffer tank. This heat is then reused to power on-site testing operations, creating a closed energy loop that reduces overall energy demand and avoids thermal energy waste.

The Trane control and building management systems allow for the complete integration of heating and cooling plants, serving the offices, rental hub and testing facilities. The thermal management system is expected to save over 500,000 kgCO2 emissions annually, equivalent to the annual heating of approximately 100 homes.

Additional features, including LED lighting, EV charging infrastructure and rainwater harvesting, further reduce resource use.

Rental Services: sustainability through circularity

Oberhausen is a major Rental Services hub, where the rental model supports a more resource-efficient and inherently circular approach to delivering thermal infrastructure for customers.

The fleet provides temporary cold storage and HVAC capacity without any capital investment, effectively turning each unit into a shared resource. Today the rental fleet spans an exceptional thermal range—from -70°C superfreezers to +120°C superheaters—supporting industrial cooling, process heating, emergency response and complex temperature-control applications such as data centers.

Instead of oversizing HVAC plants or purchasing equipment that may sit underutilized, customers can access rental systems for short- and long-term needs.

With dedicated testing, repair and refurbishment facilities on site, the Oberhausen hub keeps equipment performing at peak levels while enabling continuous refurbishment and redeployment across the fleet, extending the lifecycle of equipment and reducing the need for new manufacturing.

In addition to maintaining the fleet for Rental needs, the site provides compressor overhaul services to customers seeking to extend the life of their existing equipment, adding another sustainable contribution through resource reuse and performance efficiency.

Scaling innovation in electrification

Alongside the rental business, Oberhausen also serves as a Center of Excellence for Electrification within the company’s Advanced Concepts and Capabilities team, where engineers focus on developing scalable electric system architecture and advancing new capabilities.

Just 10 miles away in Essen, Thermo King teams design, test and manufacture the power electronics systems that enable electrified transport refrigeration. Together, the two locations operate as a closely connected innovation ecosystem where engineering, testing and real-world customer feedback come together to accelerate development and deployment.

One of the most ground-breaking outcomes is Thermo King® AxlePower, a kinetic energy recovery e-axle system that converts braking and downhill motion into usable electrical energy for refrigeration units—helping reduce fuel consumption, operating costs and emissions for truck operators.

“Ground up, we design our own power electronics. We build our own software. We integrate all the systems,” said Vikram Madineni, senior engineering manager for Batteries & Energy Storage. “This approach accelerates innovation across our business – allowing us to rapidly expand our knowledge and iterate in areas like battery technology and energy recovery solutions.”

Developing the next Generation of engineers and skilled trades

The Oberhausen hub is also an investment in people and capabilities.

The team works closely with nearby universities, bringing students into the organization through internships, graduate research projects and early-career engineering roles.

“About half of our team started that way,” said Eckardt Augenstein, Chief Architect for Power Electronics. Students often begin with research projects before joining the company as full-time engineers.

Senior engineers work closely with early-career colleagues, helping translate theoretical knowledge into practical engineering work through hands-on testing and experimentation.

Also onsite, technical trainees receive hands-on experience and instruction working on equipment from the Rental fleet and compressors workshop, with a pathway to become certified mechatronic technicians in the specialized refrigeration technology field.

Community engagement also plays a role. During the annual “Long Night of Industry” event, local residents and students tour the facility to see engineering and innovation in action.

Daniel Schranz, Mayor of Oberhausen highlighted the positive impact of Trane Technologies’ investment, stating, “This innovative center, along with the training facility on-site, will contribute to the development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills in our community, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Internally, employee networks strengthen culture and connection through mentorship and inclusion. Electrical engineer Isobel Coenen helped launch the Women’s Employee Network for Germany, connecting employees across the organization.

“It helps to see examples and have allies,” Coenen said. “It encourages younger colleagues to follow that path.”

Tomorrow is full of possibilities, and they’re ours to engineer. – Ready to make an impact? Engineer your future with Trane Technologies.

See how we’re making sustainability scalable. – Read our latest Sustainability Report.

Each year on July 15, the United Nations observes World Youth Skills Day, highlighting the importance of equipping young people with skills for the future through education and training.

For SLB, that commitment extends beyond a single day. Across the globe, employees volunteer to help expand access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Through hands-on learning, mentorship and community partnerships, these initiatives help students build confidence, learn about opportunities in STEM fields and develop practical skills.

Hands-On STEM Learning

In Mexico, students participating in the SLB Excellence in Education Development (SEED) program developed skills in design, programming, construction and teamwork throughout the 2025-26 school year.

Teams took part in national and international robotics competitions, earning recognitions for innovation, excellence and collaboration. Highlights included the program’s first all-female team becoming national champion in its category and another SEED team qualifying for the 2026 World Robotics Championship held in St. Louis, Missouri.

Bringing STEM Learning to Schools 

In India, a new initiative called STEM on Wheels is helping address gaps in access to educational resources. Launched by SLB in partnership with a local nonprofit organization, the program brings hands-on STEM experiences directly to schools where access to laboratory facilities and digital tools may be limited. Students participate in interactive experiments, introductory robotics and coding activities with support from SLB volunteers.

Encouraging Girls in STEM

In Ghana, a SEED workshop focused on mentorship and encouragement. Members of a local Girls in Science and Technology Club spent time with SLB volunteers, who shared their experiences and offered guidance. The event included discussions about science and technology, personal development and ways to overcome challenges.

Making Coding More Accessible

In China, technology is helping make STEM education more accessible. Through the SEED-supported AI Programming Project for the Blind, students with sight loss are developing coding skills using voice-enabled programming software. Participants are also learning to operate robotic dogs, creating additional opportunities for hands-on learning and digital skills development.

While each initiative reflects the needs of its local community, all share a common goal: providing opportunities for young people to gain skills, experience and encouragement.

As SLB marks its centennial year, these programs reflect a long-standing commitment to supporting education initiatives in the communities where the company operates.

“At SLB, we believe education creates opportunities,” said Gwen Boyault, vice president of sustainability, SLB. “By supporting STEM learning and mentoring young people in our local communities, we aim to help the next generation develop skills, build confidence and pursue their goals.”

Learn more about SLB’s education and community initiatives in the company’s Sustainability Report.

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As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Whirlpool Corporation is marking its own milestone: 115 years as the only remaining American-owned major kitchen and laundry appliance manufacturer based in the United States. Starting in July with America’s birthday, the company will celebrate with its 20,000 U.S. employees who power the company’s 11 manufacturing communities and additional corporate offices—and build toward a major consumer campaign to celebrate the company’s official anniversary date on November 11.

As the only American-owned appliance company, Whirlpool Corporation is proud to commemorate the country’s 250-year milestone alongside its consumers. What sets Whirlpool Corporation apart isn’t just its longevity. Approximately 80 percent of the major appliances it sells in the U.S. are produced in American factories—three times more than the average of its major competitors. Whirlpool Corporation has doubled down on American workers, American innovation, and American communities, spending $23 billion on U.S. manufacturing, labor, and logistics over the past decade.

Whirlpool Corporation is also proud to be an embedded part of the fabric of the communities where it operates. The company recently celebrated 27-years of work with Habitat for Humanity, donating $160 million and over 260,000 products, including providing a range, refrigerator and garbage disposal for every U.S. Habitat home. The company’s additional programs and initiatives such as the United Way, Feel Good Fridge, Care Counts, and work with Boys and Girls Clubs of America, support local community services, provide fresh food access to over 25,000 families in need, address student absenteeism in 160 schools and invest millions in local redevelopment and youth programs.  

“For 115 years—nearly half of this nation’s history—Whirlpool Corporation has stayed and invested in American manufacturing, American workers, and American communities.”

“For 115 years—nearly half of this nation’s history—Whirlpool Corporation has stayed and invested in American manufacturing, American workers, and American communities,” said Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO, Whirlpool Corporation. “As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we’re proud to honor our shared legacy with our employees, our partners, and the families who have trusted us to be the heartbeat of their homes since 1911.”

In July, Whirlpool Corporation will be kicking off its 115th-anniversary across its manufacturing facilities and corporate offices in Benton Harbor, Mich.; Chicago, Ill.; Amana, Iowa; Cleveland, Tenn.; Fall River, Mass.; Clyde, Findlay, Greenville, Marion, Ottawa, Perrysburg, Ohio; Tulsa, Okla.; and Racine, Wisc.

Coming This Fall: A Consumer Celebration Building to November 11

Three-quarters of U.S. households own at least one Whirlpool Corporation product today, including kitchen or laundry appliances from Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, JennAir or InSinkErator, according to a third-party survey.*

Whirlpool Corporation will unveil a major consumer-facing campaign in August designed to thank and celebrate consumers and the story of 115 years of consumer-centered innovation. The campaign will build momentum toward November 11—Whirlpool Corporation’s official 115th anniversary—with activities that celebrate multi-generational family stories connected to Whirlpool Corporation appliances and the legacy of American manufacturing.

“We are grateful to our consumers who keep choosing our brands time and time again. To be present in three out of four households across the United States means a lot to us, and makes us work even harder. The consumer campaign will invite Americans to share special moments, captured by camera, that Whirlpool Corporation brands were part of—whether it’s the appliance their grandparents loved, the kitchen their parents cooked in, or the laundry room where they make sure that soccer jersey is ready for the big game day today,” Bitzer added. “This is about connection, heritage, and family stories.”

View original content here.

*Based on a 2025 independent national survey of U.S. households with $30,000+ household income and owning one or more major kitchen or laundry appliances

 

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

HARTFORD, Conn., July 15, 2026 /3BL/ – Aetna®, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS) today announced findings from the second Aetna Provider Survey. The Aetna Provider Survey is a quarterly study that polls the U.S. provider market to better understand their perceptions on payers and the industry, today and into the future. This survey series is intended to solicit timely, objective feedback from the U.S. provider market so we can identify opportunities to change the provider-payer dynamic and deepen trust over time.

The study revealed the average provider-payer trust score on a scale from 1-10 is now 6.1, up from 5.4 in the first quarter (Q1), with 38% of providers ranking payers 8 or higher. Providers are also recognizing that payers are making strides in several areas:

• 52% agree payers consistently deliver on their promises, an increase of 16 percentage points from Q1
• 56% agree payers provide clear coverage information, an increase of 12 percentage points from Q1
• 44% agree payers help patients navigate the health care system, an increase of 6 percentage points from Q1

“Trust is a foundational element of health care today. To truly transform the system, we need to continue to deepen the provider-payer relationship,” said Steve Nelson, Executive Vice President and President of Aetna, “At Aetna, we’ve invested significant time and resources to listen to our provider partners and take actions accordingly. I’m encouraged to see that these efforts are being acknowledged and, while there is more work ahead, we are heading in the right direction today and into the future.”

Reducing administrative burden to unlock more time for patient care

Providers continue to rank administrative burden as their top challenge, pointing overwhelmingly to managing patient records or prior authorization as the single biggest contributor — together, 84% of responses. They identified submitting prior authorization requests (58%), re-entering patient information (42%) and submitting claims (41%) as key pain points that can be unlocked by technology.

By rolling out technology enabled solutions, providers saw meaningful time savings for clinicians that can be redirected to patient care. More than 30% of respondents expect to save more than an hour and 80% expect to save more than 30 minutes daily.

Improving interoperability to help improve patient care

The majority (68%) of providers cited interoperability and data integrity as their top technology challenge, with almost a third (29%) stating that providing real time patient data is the most important action payers can take to help their clinical teams. In fact, almost half of respondents (47%) believe that having this data could save more than 10 minutes per appointment.

Providers cited other tangible benefits to their patients, with the top three answers including:

• More informed treatment decisions at the point of care (63%)
• Fewer claim denials and resubmissions (54%)
• Reduced patient wait times for treatment approvals (47%)

Leveraging digital tools to help members access care

Providers believe that new digital tools from payers – which include apps, portals and messaging tools – can make a significant improvement in patient navigation and engagement.

• 71% agree that payers’ digital services help patients better understand benefits and care options
• 68% agree payers’ digital services help patients better understand status of a prior authorization
• 72% agree that payers’ digital services help patients understand their claims status

Over the next five years, 84% agree that advances in technology will lead to better health outcomes, and 72% expect both population health and the patient experience to improve.

Survey methodology and the Aetna Provider Survey

The national study was conducted in Q2 2026 by Morning Consult, a global decision intelligence company. The survey polled a representative sample of U.S. providers comprised of 723 participants, including hospital system executives, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and health IT leaders (CTO/CIOs) nationwide. The overall margin of error is ±4 percentage points.

The Aetna Provider Survey is a quarterly study that polls a representative sample of the U.S. provider market to better understand their perceptions, opportunities, and challenges today and into the future. This survey series is intended to solicit timely, objective feedback from the U.S. provider market so we can identify opportunities to change the provider-payer dynamic and deepen trust over time.

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About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of March 31, 2026, 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 88 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. 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.

Media contact

Phil Blando
Phillip.Blando@cvshealth.com

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

As a dietitian, I often extol the nutrition benefits of eating a variety of foods. You know the drill: more variety equals a wider range of nutrients and other healthy food compounds. But there’s another side to the story that we often ignore: sometimes the pursuit of variety can work against you. Shocked? Don’t worry, I’m not advocating for boring food or eating the same thing all the time forever and ever. But sometimes variety makes sense, and other times it adds unwelcome complexity.

When More Variety Makes Eating More Complicated

In busy seasons of life, making a big effort to maximize variety in your meals means increased decision fatigue. And often these extra decisions only lead to unnecessary additional work. Think about how much time and effort is required to change things up. Researching new recipes, adding options to every grocery trip, rotating different snacks, meal prepping, cooking, and cleaning up afterward—whew! And don’t forget about planning ahead. The later in the day it gets, the harder it is to make healthy meal decisions. This isn’t to say that we should forget about variety completely. It just doesn’t need to show up everywhere, all the time. When life is chaotic, having a smaller set of familiar, healthy, and reliable meals can make day-to-day eating easier.

Variety May Lead to Eating More

Our brains are wired to respond to novelty. New flavors, textures, cuisines, and foods are simply more stimulating to us. But research consistently shows an association between greater food variety and increased food intake. This occurs in both animals and humans, and it helps explain some of the appeal of buffet-style meals. Sensory-specific satiety is a term that refers to our natural decline in interest in food that we’ve already sampled, while foods we haven’t yet eaten are still enticing. No wonder it’s hard to say “no” to dessert even though we’re already more than full! And greater variety among what scientists call “highly palatable foods,” like sweets and snacks, can also lead to overeating.

“Default Meals” Can Make Healthy Eating More Automatic

Limiting meal variety can support your eating and health goals if you do it with intention and forethought. Here’s how: come up with a few “default meals” that you enjoy, and are also healthy and balanced. These meals only limit variety in your diet in the sense that you’re not eating something different every single night. It’s not that the meals themselves don’t include a variety of foods—default meals definitely don’t have to be boring! And in exchange for less meal variety, you free yourself from coming up with new menus each day, or new entrees for dinner each night.

What types of meals should be default meals? You get to decide! You already know what types of meals work for your diet goals, so start with those as default choices. And if they’re easy to prepare, like sheet pan meals for example, even better. Many people benefit from reducing breakfast decisions to get out the door faster in the morning. So having 2-3 breakfast ideas and at least 3 dinner ideas may be all you need. You’ll find that default meals reduce decision fatigue and simplify meal planning and grocery shopping. They can also help you keep portions and nutrients more consistent day to day.

Keep Variety Where It Matters Most

Variety is a central principle for a healthy diet, and has the ability to boost overall nutrition. You can still take advantage of variety’s benefits by maximizing it where it does the most good. Here is where I’d suggest indulging your variety vibe:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Legumes, pulses, nuts and seeds
• Plant-based protein sources

This doesn’t mean you won’t eat any other types of foods. But you’ll reap more nutrients if you mix it up in the categories above. Be strategic in support of your dietary goals by simplifying your choices in some areas, and diversifying them in others. For example, animal proteins are still fine to eat, but you may opt to limit variety for health reasons. Maybe you’ll emphasize mostly chicken, fish, eggs, and lean beef options to keep saturated fat levels down. Or minimize your intake of highly processed meats like lunch meats, frozen chicken tenders, and hot dogs. Using Guiding Stars shelf tags to find items that are more nutritious can also be a great grocery shopping hack to save time as you pick out these items at your store.

Support Weight Management: Minimize Variety in Certain Food Categories

Since our brains love novelty, it can be tough not to pick up a new flavor of ice cream, cereal, or granola bar. But plentiful options of desserts and sweet snacks are probably not going to do you any favors. Instead, they’ll likely make it harder to stick to your healthy eating habits. Don’t let yourself be distracted by every new treat that shows up on the store shelves. Instead, find a few things you enjoy and can work into your eating plan occasionally, or learn to make healthier treats for yourself.

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, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) is pleased to welcome Cook Medical, a global leader in the development and manufacturing of medical devices, as a new member. Cook Medical specializes in minimally invasive technologies across various specialties, including interventional radiology, peripheral intervention, gastroenterology, and urology, among others.

“Cook Medical has demonstrated their commitment to sustainability through a number of initiatives, including focuses on minimizing waste, conserving energy, and promoting the use of recyclable and renewable materials,” shared Tracy Taszarek, Executive Director of HPRC. “We welcome their technical expertise and extensive experience in the medical device industry and look forward to collaborating with their team to achieve our shared goals.”

Cook Medical brings a wealth of knowledge in medical device development, advanced manufacturing techniques, and global healthcare market needs that will complement HPRC’s project work. Their commitment to sustainability combined with their expertise in areas including materials science, environmental engineering, and healthcare compliance, make them a valuable addition to HPRC’s membership.

“We are excited to engage with other members to address common challenges and develop innovative solutions that benefit the entire healthcare plastics value chain,” shared Barry Slowey, Chief Sustainability Officer at Cook Medical. “We look forward to contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices within the healthcare plastics industry.”

HPRC is currently engaged in multiple initiatives aimed at enabling the recycling and circularity of healthcare plastics, including an assessment of recycling infrastructure, opportunities for labelling standardization, and developing a scalable playbook for implementing regional hospital recycling programs.

 

About Cook Medical

At Cook Medical, we are passionate about making unique, quality medical devices and connecting with people to improve lives. Founded on inventing, manufacturing, and delivering medical devices, we provide healthcare professionals with the tools they need to help their patients return to living.

Our commitment to innovation involves bringing new products to market and keeping existing products relevant to a changing healthcare landscape. We believe in using our business to help people and communities thrive by creating inclusive, supportive, and healthy environments.

We are proud of our history of innovative firsts and the impact we have on patients and communities. With headquarters in Bloomington, Indiana, and manufacturing facilities and offices in various global locations, we challenge ourselves to maintain a global perspective while focusing on local impact.

 

About HPRC

HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across healthcare, recycling, and waste management industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of more than 30 brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.

HPRC is facilitated by Antea Group.

NEW YORK and LONDON, July 15, 2026 /3BL/ – WeWork, a leading global real estate platform, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for advancing health in buildings, organizations and communities, and The Instant Group, the world’s largest marketplace for flexible workspace, today announced that WeWork has committed to pursuing the WELL Coworking Rating globally, an evidence-based roadmap for advancing health, well-being and workplace experience across the flexible office market. The initiative will include over 300 WeWork locations across five continents, comprising roughly half of the company’s global portfolio of 600-plus locations.

Representing the largest commitment to workspace health-focused experience ever made by a coworking operator, the initiative will bring the WELL Coworking Rating to companies and professionals who rely on WeWork flexible workspaces around the world, creating healthier, more engaging workplaces. By pursuing the WELL Coworking Rating across its global portfolio, WeWork is demonstrating unprecedented leadership in advancing well-being throughout the continuously growing sector.

Launched by IWBI in collaboration with The Instant Group, the WELL Coworking Rating provides a roadmap for coworking operators to advance health, well-being and performance through evidence-based strategies spanning operational policies, occupant experience and workplace design. Derived from the health strategies in the WELL Building Standard, the rating includes more than 50 features across all 10 WELL concepts, including air and water quality, light, thermal comfort, movement and nourishment. The rating was specifically developed to help flexible workspace providers deliver healthier, higher-performing environments for members while creating greater consistency and transparency across the sector.

Within the next three years, WeWork will implement WELL Coworking Rating strategies across its global portfolio, working toward achieving the WELL Coworking Rating in hundreds of workspaces. The effort is expected to positively impact the 550,000+ members who use WeWork spaces each year. In addition to coworking access, WeWork offers private offices, full-floor workspaces, and managed solutions that include spaces sourced outside of WeWork’s existing portfolio. These offerings are supported by a composable suite of services and technology designed to meet businesses’ needs today while adapting to how they work tomorrow.

“Today’s workers want an exceptional workplace environment, and well-being is a key part of that experience,” shared Ebbie Wisecarver, Chief Design and Product Officer at WeWork. “Pursuing the WELL Coworking Rating across our portfolio underscores that commitment to our members, embedding health and wellness into the spaces they use every day. We are showcasing to the entire commercial real estate sector that workplace well-being is a fundamental priority.”

“As flexible work continues to evolve, coworking spaces play an increasingly important role in supporting the health, well-being, productivity and connection of workers around the world,” said Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI President and CEO. “By enrolling many of its global locations in pursuit of the WELL Coworking Rating, WeWork is helping redefine what excellence looks like in the coworking sector. This commitment sends a powerful signal to the market that people deserve spaces designed not only for flexibility and convenience, but also for human health and performance. WeWork’s leadership is elevating expectations across the industry and positively impacting the experience of people using flexible workspaces at a global scale.”

“Across our global client portfolio, we are seeing a clear shift in occupier priorities, with health, wellbeing and workplace performance becoming increasingly important factors in workspace selection and portfolio decision-making,” said Sam Pickering, Managing Director at Incendium Consulting (Part of the Instant Group). “As organisations place greater emphasis on employee experience, talent attraction and productivity outcomes, there is growing demand for independently verified standards that demonstrate the quality and impact of workplace environments. The WELL Coworking Rating provides operators with a robust framework to meet these expectations, differentiate their offer and support the continued maturation of the flexible workspace sector.”

Since its launch, the WELL Coworking Rating has provided coworking operators with a scalable framework for implementing evidence-based strategies that support physical health, mental well-being, comfort, safety and community. By extending these strategies across one of the largest real estate portfolios in the world, WeWork is helping accelerate the adoption of healthier workplace practices and establishing a new benchmark for health and well-being across the global coworking industry.

About WeWork

WeWork is a leading global real estate platform, purpose-built to empower businesses of all sizes with flexible workplace solutions, hospitality-driven experiences, best-in-class services, and innovative technology. With a curated portfolio of over 600 thoughtfully designed locations, spanning 45M square feet worldwide, WeWork helps more than half a million members — from emerging startups to Fortune 100 companies – perform their best work, today and tomorrow.

To learn more, visit wework.com.

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.

WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, 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.

About The Instant Group

The Instant Group has been rethinking workspace since 1999 with over 500 experts working globally across more than 175 countries. Instant’s digital platforms constitute the world’s largest digital marketplace for flexible workspace listing meeting rooms, virtual offices, flexible office space and coworking memberships. Its global team advises on commercial real estate solutions from serviced offices to fully customised managed offices, and consulting services for portfolio and net zero strategies. Instant’s approach enables agility, hybrid working solutions and improved operational resilience for more than 250,000 businesses every year. Clients include Amex, Prudential, Booking.com, Shell, Jaguar Land Rover and Worldpay. Instant has global offices including London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney.

Media Contact:

WeWork: press@wework.com
IWBI: media@wellcertified.com
The Instant Group: Olivia Chatten, olivia.chatten@incendiumconsulting.com

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AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., July 15, 2026 /3BL/ – International climate action advocate Sandrine Dixson-Declève will keynote Cascale’s 2026 Annual Meeting on September 15–17 in Athens. The anticipated program foregrounds hard truths, including the gap between sustainability and commercial decision-making and structural misalignments that slow progress, while highlighting solutions, such as financing and partnership models, that help organizations strategically align to scale impact.

Key Takeaways

• Sandrine Dixson-Declève will deliver the opening keynote at Cascale’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Athens (September 15–17), addressing systems transformation, resilience, and the future of sustainable business.
• H&M, EY, and HSBC will join a main stage discussion exploring how organizations are aligning capital allocation, financing, and business strategy to scale sustainability impact.
• The event will focus on practical solutions to overcome barriers slowing industry progress, including innovative financing models, cross-sector partnerships, and commercial alignment.
• The European Cotton Alliance will host an optional field trip showcasing Europe’s cotton value chain, regenerative farming, sustainable sourcing, and nearshoring in action.
• The event is proudly supported by lead sponsor, Worldly, alongside an outstanding group of industry partners, including TAL Apparel Limited, Inspectorio, GSCS International, TUV Rheinland, Better Cotton, and many more.

September 15 will offer a half-day of programming, beginning at 1 p.m. After an address by new Cascale CEO Ying McGuire, Sandrine Dixson-Declève will deliver the opening keynote, an internationally recognized sustainability and systems leader, Executive Chair of the Earth4All initiative and the Systems Transformation Hub, as well as Honorary President of the Club of Rome.

“Business is operating in a world defined by converging environmental, economic, and geopolitical challenges. Resilience will not come from optimizing the status quo, but from rethinking the systems that shape how value is created and shared. We need to move beyond short-term decision-making and embrace long-term collaboration, innovation, and investment that enables businesses and society to thrive within planetary boundaries. I’m looking forward to exploring how leaders can turn today’s disruptions into catalysts for lasting transformation.” – Sandrine Dixson-Declève, international climate action advocate

On September 16 and 17, Main Stage panels will also be viewable virtually, showcasing keynotes and discussions such as the “From Commitment to Capital Allocation: How Organizations Are Prioritizing Sustainability Investments Under Pressure” panel, which will include representatives from EY (formerly Ernst & Young), H&M, and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC).

“The challenge our industry is facing is no longer a lack of ambition; it is creating the conditions to deliver at scale. Many of the solutions needed already exist but progress is often slowed by fragmented approaches, misaligned incentives, and limited access to capital. As sustainability moves from ambition to implementation, we need financing models and partnerships that connect resilience, business value, and climate action. The next step is to translate shared ambition into shared investment, shared accountability, and measurable progress.” – Hampus Starre Friberg, Head of Sustainability Strategy & Controlling, H&M

“Organizations are under increasing pressure to balance financial performance with long-term resilience. The conversation has shifted from whether sustainability creates value to how leaders integrate it into capital allocation, risk management, and business strategy. The companies making the greatest progress are those that embed sustainability into core decision-making rather than treating it as a separate initiative. I’m looking forward to discussing how collaboration, data, and financing can help organizations make investment decisions that deliver both commercial and sustainability outcomes.” – Anna Ryott, EY Partner & Nordic Chief Impact Officer 

European Cotton Alliance Field Trip

An optional field trip, hosted by the European Cotton Alliance and open to media, will offer a firsthand look at the cotton value chain, connecting production with manufacturing and revealing insights into sustainable sourcing, regenerative farming, and more.

“The future of cotton depends on stronger connections across the value chain – from the farm to the finished product. This field trip offers participants the opportunity to see firsthand how farmers, manufacturers, brands, and policymakers are working together to advance more resilient and sustainable cotton production. Europe has its own cotton and by bringing industry leaders directly into the field, we can move beyond discussion to a deeper understanding of the importance of nearshoring and transparency. This is where it all begins: farmers’ expertise and land management secure soil health and biodiversity. Then, scaling is possible with innovation, partnerships, and investments. We look forward to welcoming participants and sharing the work taking place across Europe’s cotton sector.” – Dimitris Polychronos, president, European Cotton Alliance (ECA)

Sponsorship

The event is proudly supported by lead sponsor, Worldly, alongside an outstanding group of industry partners, including TAL Apparel Limited, Inspectorio, GSCS International, TUV Rheinland, Better Cotton, and many more.

Learn more and register for the Cascale Annual Meeting 2026!

Organizations interested in elevating their presence and engaging directly with industry leaders can explore sponsorship opportunities. To learn more about sponsorship packages or to express interest, please contact Cascale’s events team through this page.

Media Contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance driving systemic transformation to combat climate change and support decent work in the consumer goods industry. Formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale unites a diverse, worldwide ecosystem of over 300 retailer, brand, manufacturer, supplier, service provider, government, academic, and nonprofit members.

Our alliance catalyzes pre-competitive collaboration for maximum impact, anchored by our stewardship of the Higg Index frameworks — implemented through the Worldly technology platform — and recent acquisition of the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools. While these methodologies are central to our work, they are part of a broader strategy to mobilize collective action, challenge industry norms, and build an industry that gives back more than it takes to the planet and its people.

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By GoDaddy 

Getting fired might feel like the end of the road, but sometimes it can be the start of an even better journey. Angie K. is joined by Laura Brown, co-author of “All The Cool Girls Get Fired” to discuss how career changes can be the perfect opportunity to pursue the idea you’ve always dreamed of. Laura opens up about her own experience being let go from InStyle, the lessons she learned along the way and practical advice for navigating today’s ever-changing career landscape. Plus, hear insights from GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab and a founder spotlight with Ryn Scull of Scull House Sweets.

Follow @GoDaddyNews on Instagram for exclusive podcast content.

About GoDaddy School of Hustle with Angie K.

GoDaddy’s School of Hustle hosted by Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s Angie Katsanevas examines the “reality” facing today’s entrepreneurs and secrets behind navigating the plot twists along the way to success. Each episode is a totally candid conversation with newsmakers and GoDaddy customers led by fan-favorite Angie K who was a hustler long before the Bravo cameras started rolling.

About GoDaddy 

GoDaddy, the world’s largest domain name registrar, helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, July 14, 2026 /3BL/ –  PATRÓN Tequila and longtime partner Becky G—the global superstar and proud Mexican-American artist—today unveiled their most personal collaboration yet: Our Rainwater Project Limited-Edition PATRÓN Silver. This highly-limited collectible release is anchored by an exclusive drop of a custom PATRÓN Silver bottle designed by Becky G herself. Inspired by the power and importance of water, the collection brings attention to the reality that reliable water access isn’t always within reach for households across Jalisco, Mexico. 

PATRÓN is funding the installation of 200 rainwater harvesting systems with the pioneering Mexican non-profit Isla Urbana for households across the state of Jalisco, Mexico, with the initiative amplified through the limited-edition collection. The rainwater harvesting systems will help households collect and store rainfall for everyday use—like washing, bathing, cleaning, and watering plants—creating a more reliable source of water for the communities they serve. Rooted in a shared commitment to Jalisco, the initiative underscores a simple but powerful belief: every drop counts.

“To have partners like PATRÓN and Becky G stand alongside us means so much — they’re using their voices and their platforms to bring attention to a cause that matters deeply and helping even more households across Jalisco gain access to reliable water,” said Jennifer White, Co-Founder and General Director of Isla Urbana. “Every system we install is designed to last, giving households a reliable source of clean water  they can depend on and pass down for years to come.“

Born from that shared purpose, Our Rainwater Project Limited-Edition PATRÓN Silver honors the vital role of water through two limited-edition offerings. The first is an exclusive drop of a PATRÓN Silver bottle designed by Becky G, available in limited quantities, each finished with a custom cork and wearable scarf. The bottle’s blue and green tones reflect both the importance of water and the longstanding relationship between Becky G and PATRÓN. The second is a collectible tin that was inspired by the exclusive bottle designed by Becky with similar waves of blue and green, and includes a standard bottle of our iconic PATRÓN Silver. Together, the collection encourages a deeper appreciation for one of life’s most essential resources.

“Jalisco has shaped both PATRÓN and me,” said Becky G. “It’s where PATRÓN is made and where all four of my abuelitos are from. Working with PATRÓN on Our Rainwater Project Limited-Edition PATRÓN Silver gave us an opportunity to celebrate that connection, while helping shine a light on something incredibly important. Clean water isn’t a given for everyone in Jalisco — for many households, it isn’t something that just flows from the tap, but something you carry, store, and ration. If you have a platform, you use it to lift others up, and I’m proud to do that alongside PATRÓN and Isla Urbana. I hope it inspires people to not take something as essential as water for granted.”

The collection marks the latest chapter in a longtime partnership between PATRÓN and Becky G. Over the years, the two have celebrated milestone moments together — from the launch of PATRÓN Cristalino, which Becky G headlined, to toasting the releases of her albums and her documentary — all built on a shared pride in their Mexican roots and a mutual belief that true greatness is earned through dedication and relentless hard work, never given.

“At PATRÓN, we’ve always believed that how you make something matters — from the way we craft our tequila with precision and care, to the partnerships we choose,” said Roberto Ramirez-Laverde, Global Senior Vice President, PATRÓN Tequila. “Becky G has been part of the PATRÓN familia for years, and she shares that same dedication to doing things the right way. Our Rainwater Project Limited-Edition PATRÓN Silver brings that shared ethos to life — celebrating where we both come from while giving back to the communities of Jalisco that continue to shape us.”

Launching alongside the collection is a documentary-style piece featuring Becky G that captures the stories of households across Jalisco and the impact rainwater harvesting systems from Isla Urbana can have in their communities. Through personal experiences and firsthand moments, the film offers a closer look at the people behind this initiative and the shared commitment that inspired our Rainwater Project Limited-Edition PATRÓN Silver.

Our Rainwater Project Limited-Edition PATRÓN Silver collectible tin featuring our iconic PATRÓN Silver is available at spirits retailers nationwide for an SRP of $42.99, while supplies last. The exclusive run of 350 Becky G-designed bottles, complete with a custom cork and wearable scarf, will be available for pre-order exclusively on ReserveBar beginning July 24, 2026 for $60—just in time for National Tequila Day.

Learn more about the Our Rainwater Project Limited-Edition PATRÓN Silver by visiting patrontequila.com/becky-g. 

About PATRÓN Tequila
From hand-harvesting the highest-quality 100% Weber Blue Agave, to the traditional, time-honored distillation process and individual labeling, numbering, and inspection of each bottle, PATRÓN Tequila is crafted with meticulous precision and care. Though PATRÓN has grown to become one of the most recognized and respected luxury spirits brands in the world, it is still exclusively produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, in the same small batches and with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For more information about PATRÓN Tequilas and Liqueurs, please visit www.patrontequila.com. The perfect way to enjoy PATRÓN is responsibly.

PATRÓN is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

THE PERFECT WAY TO ENJOY PATRÓN IS RESPONSIBLY.

©2026. PATRÓN, ITS TRADE DRESS AND THE BEE LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS. HANDCRAFTED IN MEXICO.

CONTACT: PATRÓN@mbooth.com

ABOUT ISLA URBANA
Isla Urbana is a Mexico-based organization dedicated to expanding access to rainwater harvesting as a practical and sustainable response to water inequality. Since 2009, Isla Urbana has designed and installed rainwater harvesting systems in homes and businesses, combining technical innovation with community training, education, and long-term support.

This participatory approach ensures that infrastructure is not only installed but also deeply adopted by the people who use it, creating decentralized water supply solutions that are dependable, locally managed, and designed to work over time. By capturing, treating, and storing rainwater at the point of use, these systems help transform an often-overlooked resource into high-quality water for daily life. This sustainable technology provides water autonomy to communities and contributes to reducing the overexploitation of aquifers.

To date, Isla Urbana has implemented more than 45,000 rainwater harvesting systems across Mexico and Latin America, capturing over 6.6 billion liters of rainwater annually. 

By helping communities manage and care for their water, Isla Urbana strengthens water autonomy, mitigates daily water stress, and builds more water resilient futures.

ABOUT BECKY G
Becky G is a multi-platinum global superstar who has spent the last decade shaping the sound and culture of contemporary pop across languages and borders. A singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and activist, the six-time Latin GRAMMY® nominee and Academy Award nominee, has amassed more than 28 billion career streams worldwide, building a catalog of era-defining hits while becoming one of the most recognizable voices of her generation. Her influence extends far beyond music, earning American Music Awards, Latin American Music Awards, E! People’s Choice Awards, and a Billboard Music Award, while her fearless advocacy for representation and community has made her a leading cultural voice on and off stage. In recognition of her growing global impact, Becky was named to the TIME100 Next list in 2025, honoring the rising leaders shaping the future across industries. In 2024, she delivered a powerful performance of her Oscar-nominated song “The Fire Inside” live at the Academy Awards.

Never one to stay in a single lane, Becky continues to evolve creatively while staying deeply connected to her roots. Her acclaimed album “ESQUINAS” celebrated her Mexican-American heritage through Regional Mexican sounds, earning over 987 million streams, debuting at #3 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart, and landing in the Top 10 of the Top Latin Albums chart. The project’s standout single “POR EL CONTRARIO” topped the Billboard Regional Mexican charts and earned a Latin GRAMMY® nomination. She followed with “ENCUENTROS,” a more intimate chapter exploring identity, love, and vulnerability while expanding her sonic universe. The album debuted at #7 on the Latin Albums chart and #25 across all genres on Apple Music, leading into her CASA GOMEZ: OTRO CAPÍTULO TOUR, which traveled across the U.S. and marked her first sold-out arena shows. She also delivered one of the standout moments at the American Music Awards, performing her single “Qué Haces” with Manuel Turizo, and took the Main Stage at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.