Tag: 3BL

Southern Company

Last July, Waffle House and Georgia Power entered a one-year pilot of a groundbreaking new HVAC technology, both to validate the technology and partner with a customer for potential energy efficiency gains, affordability improvements and load flexibility opportunities. Developed by Blue Frontier, an innovative clean tech company funded in part by several investors, including Bill Gate’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Atlanta-based venture firm Engage, this solution was installed at the Waffle House of the Future demonstration in Macon.

Blue Frontier’s technology uses a liquid desiccant for dehumidification, moisture removal and fresh air ventilation, with a goal to reduce energy consumption, enhance comfort and lower operating costs for customers. Blue Frontier units also run quietly because they have no traditional condenser.

In contrast, conventional air conditioning systems remove heat from indoor air by converting refrigerants from gas to liquid and back again, after which the cooled air is circulated by fans. Humidity is controlled by cooling the air until the water vapor condenses to liquid, after which it is drained. Thus, conventional AC systems are not as optimally efficient because they cannot remove humidity independently of cooling, which can result in higher energy usage and less flexibility in managing load during peak hours.

Blue Frontier’s technology separates humidity and temperature control by using a liquid salt solution developed with the National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, or NREL). Blue Frontier’s units deliver pre-conditioned ventilation directly to existing rooftop HVAC units, and their energy storage and load shifting capability helps reduce energy consumption at peak times, enhancing affordability and providing flexibility for large-load customers when electricity grids are strained on hot days. 

Waffle House and Georgia Power piloted this innovative new solution primarily for the purpose of evaluating the energy savings outcomes, the impact on customer comfort and the potential to deliver meaningful affordability benefits through reduced peak demand and improved load flexibility.

Highlights

• The Blue Frontier system consumed about 40% less electricity overall compared to a traditional Direct Expansion-Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DX-DOAS) system.
• Power consumption was reduced by 89% during peak hours (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.), resulting in a 65% reduction in operating costs and clear affordability gains.
• The system’s ability to shift electrical load to off-peak hours was crucial in achieving cost savings, particularly during summer peak hours, when electricity is most expensive. This load flexibility is a harbinger of potential positive impact for large-load customers.
• Waffle House staff reported a significant improvement in space comfort, as the Blue Frontier system reduced the daily relative humidity by approximately 10% and dining area temperature by more than 5% on peak temperature days.

“Blue Frontier’s technology was a welcome addition to our existing HVAC system, bringing enhanced capability to our existing setup,” said Waffle House Innovation Manager David Repp. “We are particularly enthused about the ability to effectively shift load to off-peak hours. And we have heard nothing but positive feedback from our employees and customers about the comfort of the in-store environment.”

“The implementation of Blue Frontier technology at Waffle House’s Macon demonstration is a great example how we work collaboratively with customers,” remarked Georgia Power’s Director of Customer Solutions Cameron Hardin.

“This project also exemplifies the kind of internal collaboration required to bring these sorts of innovative new solutions to fruition in the marketplace,” added Hardin. “Georgia Power Solution Sales and National Accounts, as well as Southern Company Services’ New Ventures and Energy Efficiency Pilots came together as One Team to make energy simple and support the Waffle House of the Future.”

Leading Trends in Sustainable Investing 

Welcome to GreenMoney’s January 2026 issue. We continue our 33rd year of award-winning publishing with this digital issue based on the US SIF 2025 Trends Report, which is the leading resource on sustainable investing, offering detailed data on assets under management, key ESG themes, and emerging investor priorities.

Widely cited by investors, companies, policymakers, and the media, as it shapes decision-making across the capital markets. The new Report totals over $6.6 Trillion in sustainable investments, equaling 11% of total money invested in US.

Find out about the wide variety of market changing Trends here- https://greenmoney.com

Leading Trends in Sustainable Investing 

Welcome to GreenMoney’s January 2026 issue. We continue our 33rd year of award-winning publishing with this digital issue based on the US SIF 2025 Trends Report, which is the leading resource on sustainable investing, offering detailed data on assets under management, key ESG themes, and emerging investor priorities.

Widely cited by investors, companies, policymakers, and the media, as it shapes decision-making across the capital markets. The new Report totals over $6.6 Trillion in sustainable investments, equaling 11% of total money invested in US.

Find out about the wide variety of market changing Trends here- https://greenmoney.com

LINCOLN, Neb., January 14, 2026 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation is digging into a new kind of climate conversation in its upcoming podcast, “Unearthing Optimism.” The show features a series of conversations between CEO Dan Lambe and notable guests like Bill Nye the Science Guy, actor Rainn Wilson and The Weather Channel meteorologist Stephanie Abrams.

In episode one, Abrams shares her experience covering natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and reflects on evolving environmental challenges and the importance of optimism in the face of uncertainty. The debut episode will be released on Monday, January 19.

“This podcast will be a source of positivity in a time when it’s easy to feel overcome by challenges. Together, my guests and I will explore the significance of hope, the power of nature, and what it means to shape a better future,” said Lambe. “We’re excited to begin Unearthing Optimism with Stephanie Abrams, one of the most trusted voices in weather reporting. She’s spent two decades on the frontlines of extreme weather events and she’s sharing firsthand stories of resilience in the wake of devastation.”

“Unearthing Optimism” is available to stream or download on all major podcasting platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Click here to listen.

The podcast is produced in part by the Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest tree planting nonprofit. Since its founding in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has helped to plant more than 500 million trees.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

###

LINCOLN, Neb., January 14, 2026 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation is digging into a new kind of climate conversation in its upcoming podcast, “Unearthing Optimism.” The show features a series of conversations between CEO Dan Lambe and notable guests like Bill Nye the Science Guy, actor Rainn Wilson and The Weather Channel meteorologist Stephanie Abrams.

In episode one, Abrams shares her experience covering natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and reflects on evolving environmental challenges and the importance of optimism in the face of uncertainty. The debut episode will be released on Monday, January 19.

“This podcast will be a source of positivity in a time when it’s easy to feel overcome by challenges. Together, my guests and I will explore the significance of hope, the power of nature, and what it means to shape a better future,” said Lambe. “We’re excited to begin Unearthing Optimism with Stephanie Abrams, one of the most trusted voices in weather reporting. She’s spent two decades on the frontlines of extreme weather events and she’s sharing firsthand stories of resilience in the wake of devastation.”

“Unearthing Optimism” is available to stream or download on all major podcasting platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Click here to listen.

The podcast is produced in part by the Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest tree planting nonprofit. Since its founding in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has helped to plant more than 500 million trees.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

###

If strategy sets direction, learning is what makes it last. Learning is one of the clearest places where Cisco’s Purpose and business intersect. Ensuring that people are prepared to take part in a digital and AI-enabled economy is essential to sustainable growth, long-term trust, and shared success. When people have the skills to adapt, organizations move faster — with greater resilience and stronger outcomes.

Within Cisco, we’ve been intentional about investing in our own capabilities. In fiscal 2025, more than 37,000 employees completed AI-focused learning — a 76% year-over-year increase — strengthening our ability to innovate, redesign work, and deliver value to our customers. As work continues to evolve, learning has become one of the most powerful ways leaders enable the future and drive momentum. For example, at Cisco, employees are twice as likely to use AI when their manager does, and consistent users are more productive and more engaged.

At the same time, our commitment to learning has never stopped at our own walls. Through Cisco Networking Academy, we’ve helped more than 28 million learners build the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. And, through Learn with Cisco, we’re supporting the White House’s Pledge to America’s Youth: Investing in AI Education with a commitment to train one million people across the United States.

In December, IDC MarketScape recognized Cisco as a Leader in IT Training Services in both Europe¹ and North America². We see that recognition not as a finish line, but as encouragement to move faster — extending the confidence and capability we’re building inside Cisco to our partners, customers, and communities around the world.

Learn more about our progress and goals in our FY25 Purpose Report.

Millions of Stories: The Impact of Learning

A recent conversation powerfully highlighted the importance and impact of education. During a discussion with Equity Bank in Kenya about their learning programs for underserved youth, we realized that one of our Cisco colleagues in the meeting was a graduate of this program. She shared how this bank-sponsored education profoundly changed her life. This personal testimony underscored the real-world impact of Equity Bank’s efforts. As I shared how Cisco Networking Academy builds digital skills at scale, a senior leader from the bank spoke up. He shared that he earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) through Cisco Networking Academy — an experience that launched his career and led him to the executive role he holds today.

In a company as far-reaching as Cisco, we don’t always get to hear the individual stories behind our work — but when we do, they bring our impact to life. In the last fiscal year alone, more than five million learners engaged with Cisco Networking Academy, which means millions of stories like these are unfolding around the world. Each one is a reminder that what we do matters — creating pathways for people to participate more fully in the future.

Learning in Partnership

One important way that we continue to learn as an organization and stay connected to our industry is through our leadership of the AI Workforce Consortium. This collaboration brings together Cisco, Accenture, Cornerstone, Eightfold AI, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP. Together, we’re mapping how AI is reshaping more than 50 critical technology and supporting roles across G7 countries — and, just as importantly, building practical pathways so people can prepare for what’s next.

The Consortium’s 2025 research shows that 78% of jobs already require AI skills. But it also makes clear that human skills — leadership, problem-solving, innovation, collaboration, and communication — will determine how impactful AI ultimately becomes.

That same research reinforces the need for continuous learning to unlock the full potential of the workforce. It’s telling that Learning & Development Specialist is now the most in-demand technology support role in the U.S. and Canada, underscoring how strongly organizations are prioritizing learning agility in an AI-driven economy. That signal is hard to ignore. At Cisco, we’re acting on it by investing in new learning roles and enterprise-wide efforts that help our people build the skills to leap ahead in an AI-driven future.

Permission to Rethink Everything

Moments like the one I experienced in Kenya stay with me because they clarify what’s truly at stake. They remind me that we are living in a rare time — one that gives us permission to rethink everything. How do we spend our resources? What breakthroughs do we pursue? And what kind of human experience do we want to enable?

At Cisco, we’re fortunate to be navigating this moment from a position of strength, grounded in leading technology, hard-earned trust, our people, and our Purpose.

But with that strength comes the responsibility to pause and ask the right questions about how we move forward together.

• As industry leaders, how will we help shape markets that expand opportunity and set the standard for secure, trusted, and inclusive innovation?
• As people leaders, how will we model learning in real time, using AI ourselves and building cultures where curiosity, courage, and compassion drive progress?
• And as individuals, how will we adapt, unlearn, and retool, knowing that our collective success ultimately depends on our personal willingness to grow?

Those questions aren’t just theoretical for us. In fiscal 2025, we answered each with a real and measurable commitment:

• 573,000 employee volunteer hours and the sixth consecutive year exceeding our 80% community impact target
• 31 crisis response efforts and over 900 employee volunteers supporting communities in crisis
• 100% renewable energy to match global annual electricity needs at Cisco owned and leased facilities³
• 154 million lives positively impacted through the Cisco Foundation and Social Impact Investments

Behind each of these metrics are human stories of resilience and expanded possibility. Our responsibility is to ensure this progress continues — human, inclusive, and grounded in trust. That is how we will meet this moment: by learning, by leading, and by helping others do the same.

Learn more:

Purpose at Cisco
FY25 Purpose Report
Purpose Reporting Hub 

View original content here.

 

^{1. Source: “IDC MarketScape: European IT Training Services 2025 Vendor Assessment”, 1 December 2025, IDC # EUR153005625.} 

^{2. Source: “IDC MarketScape: North America IT Training Services 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment”, 4 December 2025, IDC # US52991625.} 

^{3. Cisco achieved this milestone using a variety of methods, including on-site renewables, contractual arrangements such as power purchase agreements, and energy attribute certificates. See the Purpose Reporting Hub for our renewable energy strategy}

If strategy sets direction, learning is what makes it last. Learning is one of the clearest places where Cisco’s Purpose and business intersect. Ensuring that people are prepared to take part in a digital and AI-enabled economy is essential to sustainable growth, long-term trust, and shared success. When people have the skills to adapt, organizations move faster — with greater resilience and stronger outcomes.

Within Cisco, we’ve been intentional about investing in our own capabilities. In fiscal 2025, more than 37,000 employees completed AI-focused learning — a 76% year-over-year increase — strengthening our ability to innovate, redesign work, and deliver value to our customers. As work continues to evolve, learning has become one of the most powerful ways leaders enable the future and drive momentum. For example, at Cisco, employees are twice as likely to use AI when their manager does, and consistent users are more productive and more engaged.

At the same time, our commitment to learning has never stopped at our own walls. Through Cisco Networking Academy, we’ve helped more than 28 million learners build the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. And, through Learn with Cisco, we’re supporting the White House’s Pledge to America’s Youth: Investing in AI Education with a commitment to train one million people across the United States.

In December, IDC MarketScape recognized Cisco as a Leader in IT Training Services in both Europe¹ and North America². We see that recognition not as a finish line, but as encouragement to move faster — extending the confidence and capability we’re building inside Cisco to our partners, customers, and communities around the world.

Learn more about our progress and goals in our FY25 Purpose Report.

Millions of Stories: The Impact of Learning

A recent conversation powerfully highlighted the importance and impact of education. During a discussion with Equity Bank in Kenya about their learning programs for underserved youth, we realized that one of our Cisco colleagues in the meeting was a graduate of this program. She shared how this bank-sponsored education profoundly changed her life. This personal testimony underscored the real-world impact of Equity Bank’s efforts. As I shared how Cisco Networking Academy builds digital skills at scale, a senior leader from the bank spoke up. He shared that he earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) through Cisco Networking Academy — an experience that launched his career and led him to the executive role he holds today.

In a company as far-reaching as Cisco, we don’t always get to hear the individual stories behind our work — but when we do, they bring our impact to life. In the last fiscal year alone, more than five million learners engaged with Cisco Networking Academy, which means millions of stories like these are unfolding around the world. Each one is a reminder that what we do matters — creating pathways for people to participate more fully in the future.

Learning in Partnership

One important way that we continue to learn as an organization and stay connected to our industry is through our leadership of the AI Workforce Consortium. This collaboration brings together Cisco, Accenture, Cornerstone, Eightfold AI, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP. Together, we’re mapping how AI is reshaping more than 50 critical technology and supporting roles across G7 countries — and, just as importantly, building practical pathways so people can prepare for what’s next.

The Consortium’s 2025 research shows that 78% of jobs already require AI skills. But it also makes clear that human skills — leadership, problem-solving, innovation, collaboration, and communication — will determine how impactful AI ultimately becomes.

That same research reinforces the need for continuous learning to unlock the full potential of the workforce. It’s telling that Learning & Development Specialist is now the most in-demand technology support role in the U.S. and Canada, underscoring how strongly organizations are prioritizing learning agility in an AI-driven economy. That signal is hard to ignore. At Cisco, we’re acting on it by investing in new learning roles and enterprise-wide efforts that help our people build the skills to leap ahead in an AI-driven future.

Permission to Rethink Everything

Moments like the one I experienced in Kenya stay with me because they clarify what’s truly at stake. They remind me that we are living in a rare time — one that gives us permission to rethink everything. How do we spend our resources? What breakthroughs do we pursue? And what kind of human experience do we want to enable?

At Cisco, we’re fortunate to be navigating this moment from a position of strength, grounded in leading technology, hard-earned trust, our people, and our Purpose.

But with that strength comes the responsibility to pause and ask the right questions about how we move forward together.

• As industry leaders, how will we help shape markets that expand opportunity and set the standard for secure, trusted, and inclusive innovation?
• As people leaders, how will we model learning in real time, using AI ourselves and building cultures where curiosity, courage, and compassion drive progress?
• And as individuals, how will we adapt, unlearn, and retool, knowing that our collective success ultimately depends on our personal willingness to grow?

Those questions aren’t just theoretical for us. In fiscal 2025, we answered each with a real and measurable commitment:

• 573,000 employee volunteer hours and the sixth consecutive year exceeding our 80% community impact target
• 31 crisis response efforts and over 900 employee volunteers supporting communities in crisis
• 100% renewable energy to match global annual electricity needs at Cisco owned and leased facilities³
• 154 million lives positively impacted through the Cisco Foundation and Social Impact Investments

Behind each of these metrics are human stories of resilience and expanded possibility. Our responsibility is to ensure this progress continues — human, inclusive, and grounded in trust. That is how we will meet this moment: by learning, by leading, and by helping others do the same.

Learn more:

Purpose at Cisco
FY25 Purpose Report
Purpose Reporting Hub 

View original content here.

 

^{1. Source: “IDC MarketScape: European IT Training Services 2025 Vendor Assessment”, 1 December 2025, IDC # EUR153005625.} 

^{2. Source: “IDC MarketScape: North America IT Training Services 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment”, 4 December 2025, IDC # US52991625.} 

^{3. Cisco achieved this milestone using a variety of methods, including on-site renewables, contractual arrangements such as power purchase agreements, and energy attribute certificates. See the Purpose Reporting Hub for our renewable energy strategy}

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, OAKLAND, Calif., January 14, 2026 /3BL/ – Cascale today announced program details for Cascale Forum: Colombo, taking place March 30–April 1, 2026 in Sri Lanka. Building on the success of the 2025 Forum in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, this gathering will convene manufacturers, brands, retailers, NGOs, policymakers, and solution providers under the theme “Action by Design: Accelerating a Fairer, More Resilient Value Chain.”

“At Cascale Forum: Colombo, we are bringing the value chain together to work intentionally on the systems, relationships, and practices that accelerate measurable progress on climate and decent work,” said Harsh Saini, interim CEO, Cascale. “This is a space for shared learning — and shared responsibility.”

Rotated annually across critical manufacturing regions, Cascale Forums are brought to the industry by the stewards of the Higg Index, exclusively available on Worldly, and center the experience and expertise of manufacturers and sourcing companies at the center of global production. The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), which represents Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel export sector, is the event’s Association Collaborator. Hosting the Forum in Sri Lanka reinforces Cascale’s commitment to ensuring regional priorities shape global strategies while emphasizing that intentional collaboration is essential to drive measurable improvement on climate and decent work.

“Sri Lanka has long played an important role in advancing responsible manufacturing,” said Saifuddin Jafferjee, chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF). “Cascale Forum: Colombo provides a valuable platform to share regional experience, strengthen collaboration across the value chain, and contribute practical insights that support a fairer, more resilient industry.”

Across two days of plenaries, workshops, and training sessions, participants will explore what effective brand–manufacturer collaboration looks like in practice, engage in hands-on learning, and gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively use Cascale’s tools, including those in the Higg Index and Better Buying. New this year, side meetings and factory tours will offer additional opportunities to learn from regional examples of operational and sustainability excellence.

Why Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka represents an important region in the global apparel supply chain and brings diverse perspectives to the table. Its manufacturers have earned a reputation for high environmental and social standards, energy-efficient operations, and early adoption of sustainability tools such as the Higg Index. The textile and apparel export sector accounts for nearly 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s exports and represents six percent of its GDP.

With a well-connected network of industry players who actively engage in shared initiatives, Sri Lanka offers real-world examples of responsible production – making it an ideal location for hands-on learning, cross-industry dialogue, and peer-to-peer capability building. Finally, local organizations provide valuable context through factory tours, coordinated through the Cascale Forum: Colombo program, which allow participants to experience sustainability innovations, workforce practices, and environmental performance improvements firsthand.

Member-Driven Program Advisory Group

Cascale’s expert Program Advisory Group members emphasized the importance of grounding global strategy in local realities while helping develop the program for Cascale Forum: Colombo.

“South Asia is known in the global apparel industry for combining innovation, quality, and responsible manufacturing,” said Nikhil Hirdaramani, director, Hirdaramani. “Cascale Forum: Colombo showcases how that leadership contributes meaningfully to global industry progress.”

“Manufacturers are navigating increasing complexity and at MAS we have always tried to be proactive and take the challenge head on,” said Dhanujie Jayapala, general manager of environmental sustainability, MAS Holdings. “Cascale Forum: Colombo gives us the opportunity to share regional insights and build capabilities that support long-term, aligned progress.”

“To build a resilient supply chain, we need strong alignment between brands and suppliers,” said Cesar Hasibuan, responsible supply chain director, South Asia, Nike Inc. “This Forum will create space to understand each other’s challenges and design solutions that work in practice, not just on paper.”

“We need practical, operational pathways to meet today’s climate and social expectations in the fashion industry,” said Dr. Thiwanka De Fonseka, chief sustainability officer at Komar. “Cascale Forum: Colombo plays a vital role by creating a space for hands-on learning and intentional, equitable collaboration that empowers our industry to move from commitment to real, measurable impact throughout the value chain.”

“Collaboration is essential to scaling credible environmental solutions,” said Maria Arroyo, Sector Partnership Lead, ZDHC. “Our work only succeeds when data, standards, and implementation are connected — and Cascale Forum: Colombo helps make that possible.”

Program Highlights

Lead sponsored by Worldly and sponsored by MAS Holdings, Komar, TÜV Rheinland, GSCS, among others, key highlights for Cascale Forum: Colombo include:

• 500+ attendees from across the consumer goods value chain
• Two days of impact across plenaries, workshops, and practical training
• One unified mission to strengthen a fairer, more resilient industry
• Field trips and side meetings on March 30
• Intentional networking and social events
• In-person participation only; no virtual access

“Cascale Forum: Colombo brings the industry together at the point where data, capability, and action intersect,” said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly. “By pairing Cascale’s standards and governance with accessible, innovative solutions, the Forum helps brands and manufacturers move beyond reporting and toward decisions that improve environmental and social performance across the value chain.”

In November, after over a million people were displaced by severe flooding and landslides, Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency; Cascale is contributing to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to support emergency response and long-term rebuilding, and continues to stay in close contact with regional partners as needs evolve.

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

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, OAKLAND, Calif., January 14, 2026 /3BL/ – Cascale today announced program details for Cascale Forum: Colombo, taking place March 30–April 1, 2026 in Sri Lanka. Building on the success of the 2025 Forum in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, this gathering will convene manufacturers, brands, retailers, NGOs, policymakers, and solution providers under the theme “Action by Design: Accelerating a Fairer, More Resilient Value Chain.”

“At Cascale Forum: Colombo, we are bringing the value chain together to work intentionally on the systems, relationships, and practices that accelerate measurable progress on climate and decent work,” said Harsh Saini, interim CEO, Cascale. “This is a space for shared learning — and shared responsibility.”

Rotated annually across critical manufacturing regions, Cascale Forums are brought to the industry by the stewards of the Higg Index, exclusively available on Worldly, and center the experience and expertise of manufacturers and sourcing companies at the center of global production. The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), which represents Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel export sector, is the event’s Association Collaborator. Hosting the Forum in Sri Lanka reinforces Cascale’s commitment to ensuring regional priorities shape global strategies while emphasizing that intentional collaboration is essential to drive measurable improvement on climate and decent work.

“Sri Lanka has long played an important role in advancing responsible manufacturing,” said Saifuddin Jafferjee, chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF). “Cascale Forum: Colombo provides a valuable platform to share regional experience, strengthen collaboration across the value chain, and contribute practical insights that support a fairer, more resilient industry.”

Across two days of plenaries, workshops, and training sessions, participants will explore what effective brand–manufacturer collaboration looks like in practice, engage in hands-on learning, and gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively use Cascale’s tools, including those in the Higg Index and Better Buying. New this year, side meetings and factory tours will offer additional opportunities to learn from regional examples of operational and sustainability excellence.

Why Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka represents an important region in the global apparel supply chain and brings diverse perspectives to the table. Its manufacturers have earned a reputation for high environmental and social standards, energy-efficient operations, and early adoption of sustainability tools such as the Higg Index. The textile and apparel export sector accounts for nearly 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s exports and represents six percent of its GDP.

With a well-connected network of industry players who actively engage in shared initiatives, Sri Lanka offers real-world examples of responsible production – making it an ideal location for hands-on learning, cross-industry dialogue, and peer-to-peer capability building. Finally, local organizations provide valuable context through factory tours, coordinated through the Cascale Forum: Colombo program, which allow participants to experience sustainability innovations, workforce practices, and environmental performance improvements firsthand.

Member-Driven Program Advisory Group

Cascale’s expert Program Advisory Group members emphasized the importance of grounding global strategy in local realities while helping develop the program for Cascale Forum: Colombo.

“South Asia is known in the global apparel industry for combining innovation, quality, and responsible manufacturing,” said Nikhil Hirdaramani, director, Hirdaramani. “Cascale Forum: Colombo showcases how that leadership contributes meaningfully to global industry progress.”

“Manufacturers are navigating increasing complexity and at MAS we have always tried to be proactive and take the challenge head on,” said Dhanujie Jayapala, general manager of environmental sustainability, MAS Holdings. “Cascale Forum: Colombo gives us the opportunity to share regional insights and build capabilities that support long-term, aligned progress.”

“To build a resilient supply chain, we need strong alignment between brands and suppliers,” said Cesar Hasibuan, responsible supply chain director, South Asia, Nike Inc. “This Forum will create space to understand each other’s challenges and design solutions that work in practice, not just on paper.”

“We need practical, operational pathways to meet today’s climate and social expectations in the fashion industry,” said Dr. Thiwanka De Fonseka, chief sustainability officer at Komar. “Cascale Forum: Colombo plays a vital role by creating a space for hands-on learning and intentional, equitable collaboration that empowers our industry to move from commitment to real, measurable impact throughout the value chain.”

“Collaboration is essential to scaling credible environmental solutions,” said Maria Arroyo, Sector Partnership Lead, ZDHC. “Our work only succeeds when data, standards, and implementation are connected — and Cascale Forum: Colombo helps make that possible.”

Program Highlights

Lead sponsored by Worldly and sponsored by MAS Holdings, Komar, TÜV Rheinland, GSCS, among others, key highlights for Cascale Forum: Colombo include:

• 500+ attendees from across the consumer goods value chain
• Two days of impact across plenaries, workshops, and practical training
• One unified mission to strengthen a fairer, more resilient industry
• Field trips and side meetings on March 30
• Intentional networking and social events
• In-person participation only; no virtual access

“Cascale Forum: Colombo brings the industry together at the point where data, capability, and action intersect,” said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly. “By pairing Cascale’s standards and governance with accessible, innovative solutions, the Forum helps brands and manufacturers move beyond reporting and toward decisions that improve environmental and social performance across the value chain.”

In November, after over a million people were displaced by severe flooding and landslides, Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency; Cascale is contributing to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to support emergency response and long-term rebuilding, and continues to stay in close contact with regional partners as needs evolve.

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

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

CLEVELAND, January 14, 2026/3BL/ — KeyBank’s Key4Women will present “Awaken Your Influence with the Revitalize System™”, a free, one-hour virtual event on Tuesday, January 27^th at 1:00 p.m. EST / 11:00 a.m. MT / 10:00 a.m. PST.

Key4Women National Director, Rachael Sampson, will be joined by Founder and CEO of The DiStefano Group, Gina DiStefano, for an engaging conversation on leadership growth, equipping professionals with actionable strategies to elevate presence, strengthen authentic influence, and create meaningful impact.

In this webinar, entrepreneurs, emerging leaders, and/or seasoned professionals will gain practical tools to:

• Build clarity through self-awareness and understand what drives decisions.
• Identify who supports or hinders professional growth.
• Communicate confidently and take purposeful action in personal and professional life.

“We’re excited to spend time with Gina during this webinar,” said Sampson. “Her fresh perspective on leadership will provide attendees with valuable insights and practical tools to help them succeed in their endeavors.”

Gina DiStefano, Founder and CEO of The DiStefano Group, brings over 20 years of expertise in leadership development and coaching. Her proprietary Revitalize System helps professionals move from awareness to execution, fostering authentic growth and impact. Gina has served as interim CEO for a national nonprofit, is a sought-after keynote speaker, and has been featured in THRIVE Global, Huffington Post, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

For more information, contact key4women@keybank.com or register online by January 27^th here. 

About Key4Women
Key4Women started in 2005 as a campaign to lend $1 billion to qualified women-owned businesses within three years. The program achieved that in two years and has now generated more than $12 billion in loans to women-owned businesses. Membership in Key4Women is free. In addition to helping women business leaders and owners tap into capital to build and grow their businesses, Key4Women members gain valuable access to a team of local Certified Key4Wome Advisors who advocate, connect and empower women on their journey to financial wellness. For more information, visit key.com/key4women.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp’s roots trace back more than 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at September 30, 2025. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

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