Tag: 3BL

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, March 18, 2025 /3BL/ – Anchorage Community Land Trust (ACLT) has received a $300,000 grant from KeyBank to launch the programming and operations of a new shared commercial kitchen facility in the Mountain View neighborhood of Anchorage. The facility, currently in development and slated to open in 2026, will provide shared kitchen and production space and cold and dry storage space to early-stage food businesses and producers, with an emphasis on underserved communities.

The incubator will help address a long-term lack of access to affordable kitchen space for early-stage food businesses, particularly those in underserved communities. Programming will include free training, technical assistance, orientation and access to the kitchen space and storage for participating food businesses. In addition, it will improve food security by providing access to more locally grown and packaged goods.

ACLT is a neighborhood-based non-profit in Anchorage that works with residents and business owners in targeted low-income geographies to improve quality of life in their communities. This kitchen space provides a logical next stop for ACLT’s flagship Set Up Shop program, which provides a pipeline of training, technical assistance, lending, and real estate support to business owners in targeted low-income neighborhoods of Anchorage, which KeyBank has supported with previous grants.

“We have long been impressed with ACLT’s efforts to support entrepreneurs as they build a thriving business, and we are excited to help provide a launch point for the next generation of small businesses,” said Alaska KeyBank President Lori McCaffrey. “Our mission is to help our neighbors thrive, and nowhere is that more important than in underserved communities that often lack access to traditional business resources and funding.”

“This historic gift signifies KeyBank’s commitment not just to this facility, but to the entrepreneurs it serves who stand ready to rise,” says Kirk Rose, CEO of ACLT. “A commercial kitchen incubator is a vital piece of small business infrastructure for Southcentral Alaska. It will ensure the path to food business ownership is attainable to anyone with a dream. This investment will allow early-stage entrepreneurs across the region to launch and grow their food businesses, creating and retaining wealth within their communities and becoming role models, leaders, and changemakers for our state.”

About ACLT 
Anchorage Community Land Trust (ACLT) is a neighborhood-based nonprofit that disrupts concentrated poverty by bringing concentrated opportunity and investment to neighborhood commercial corridors in Anchorage. Through a toolkit of real estate, advocacy, improvements to infrastructure, and targeted programming, we create community wealth, local jobs, resident leadership and economic opportunity for families. For more information on ACLT, visit www.anchoragelandtrust.org.

About KeyCorp 
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at December 31, 2024. 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 Member FDIC.

###

CONTACT: 
ACLT | Emily Cohn | 907.952.6980 | ecohn@anchoragelandtrust.org 
KeyBank | Laura Suter | 206-343-6953 | laura_suter@keybank.com

NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 /3BL/ – As the President and Congress face critical fiscal policy decisions, college students across America are raising their voices to find solutions to the $36 trillion and rising national debt. Students on campuses across the country participated in the 13th annual Up to Us competition, in which students build campaigns to raise awareness and drive engagement to build a brighter economic future.

Student leaders from Central Texas College took home the top prize for their creative campaign, which included 14 days of action across campus, bringing together nearly 1,000 of their peers. The winning campaign featured classroom presentations, social media efforts and events including the “Debt Defenders Superhero Summit” — where students had the opportunity to manage mock national budget scenarios as superheroes – as well as a “Financial Festival” — where attendees learned about topics like taxes, budgeting, and credit to improve their financial literacy.

The team maximized student reach through on-campus strategic partnerships with a diverse array of organizations, such as the Math and Engineering Club, the Writers Guild and the Dance Team. Participants also conducted outreach to Congress across multiple channels to emphasize the next generation’s growing concern over the national debt. Outreach efforts were coordinated with timely legislative discussions, including budget negotiations, to maximize impact.

“Our team brought together students from across campus with unique and passionate perspectives – but one thing that we all have in common is that the national debt affects our future,” said Christina Strohfus, Central Texas College team leader. “By blending education with collaborative action, our initiative created a platform where diverse voices could explore and promote solutions to the nation’s debt challenges among current lawmakers and future leaders. In the end, our coalition has made it clear that we can’t afford more debt and elected officials need to stabilize the budget outlook.”

Up to Us, a nonpartisan initiative established in 2012 by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, in partnership with Net Impact and the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU), offers the next generation of civic leaders with resources and training to unify their fellow students under the banner of advocating for a more prosperous and inclusive economic future. Up to Us leaders have engaged and empowered over 500,000 students on hundreds of campuses across the country to address U.S. fiscal challenges. Participants have gone on to work in policy, public service, and journalism.

“Central Texas College’s winning team and all of this year’s participants did an excellent job coming together to engage their peers and help move our nation toward a more sustainable future,” said Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the nonpartisan Peter G. Peterson Foundation. “These young leaders have an irreplaceable voice in today’s policy debate, and we need their energy and ideas to successfully build a stronger fiscal and economic future for the next generation.”

The winning Central Texas College team will receive a $10,000 prize and invitations to Clinton Global Initiative University events.

The top 10 finalists from this year’s campus competition are:

Central Texas College

Stony Brook University

Bethune Cookman University-Jules*

University of Notre Dame

St. Francis College

Miami Dade College-Marcos Pedro*

Spring Hill College*

Southeastern Louisiana University

Bethune Cookman University-Dameron*

University of Texas, Austin

*Campuses with multiple teams

# # #

About Up to Us 
Up to Us is a nonpartisan nationwide college initiative that empowers young Americans leaders to let policymakers know they are concerned about and committed to addressing the nation’s fiscal challenges. Since 2012, Up to Us has created a groundswell of student leaders who have engaged and empowered more than 500,000 of their peers toward a more prosperous fiscal future. Established by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, in partnership with Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) and Net Impact, Up to Us provides the opportunity for students to build a movement to raise awareness and engagement on America’s fiscal challenges.

MUMBAI, India and TORONTO, MARCH 18, 2025 /3BL/ – Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has issued a report on closing the digital divide in Canada by ensuring jobseekers have the skills needed to succeed in a business world being transformed by AI. Entitled “The Digital Skills Imperative in Canada,” the report is based on insights from a recent roundtable event in Toronto and is available on the TCS Digital Empowers Insights page.

At the roundtable, experts from TCS and the Dais, a public policy and leadership think tank at Toronto Metropolitan University, met with Canadian employment, business, and education stakeholders. They discussed crucial factors necessary to support individuals at risk of being left behind due to the rapid advancement of technologies like AI and the shortage of relevant skills.

Examining trends affecting the demand for skilled workers, the report explored challenges and opportunities for jobseekers — from the rapid advent of new technologies to the increasing pace of change in industries. Calls to action include:

Higher education and the private sector should be more transparent about the specific skills needed for job rolesLarge employers should reskill workers to benefit from employee loyalty and encourage new skills to make the Canadian workforce more competitiveInstitutions offering micro-credentials – short courses offering qualifications in specific subject areas — can enhance their impact by partnering with employers to design relevant coursework

For more information, download the full report here.

About TCS Empowers 
TCS is building greater futures by connecting people to opportunities in the digital economy. Through innovative and collective knowledge, TCS helps create equitable, inclusive pathways for all, especially women, youth and marginalized groups. Visit on.tcs.com/csr and follow #TCSEmpowers on social media. 

About Tata Consultancy Services

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world’s largest businesses in their transformation journeys for over 56 years. Its consulting-led, cognitive powered, portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions is delivered through its unique Location Independent Agile™ delivery model, recognized as a benchmark of excellence in software development.

A part of the Tata group, India’s largest multinational business group, TCS has over 607,000 of the world’s best-trained consultants in 55 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and is listed on the BSE and the NSE in India. TCS’ proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the MSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. For more information, visit www.tcs.com.

TCS media contacts:

Corporate Communications & India 
Email: corporate.communications@tcs.com 
Email: saxena.kritika@tcs.com| Phone: +91 22 6778 9999 
Email: kimberly.solomon@tcs.com | Phone: +91 22 67789098

Canada 
Email: tiffany.fisher@tcs.com | Phone: +1 416-999-2140

###

By Kim Borges | March 4, 2025

“We’re closing the restaurant tomorrow.”

That announcement was Erin Hollingsworth’s fork in the road.

“I remember thinking, ‘Is this really what I want to do with the rest of my life?’” Hollingsworth said of continuing her foodservice career back in 2007. “I started looking at other jobs and learned everything required a degree.”

It wasn’t the first time life had thrown Hollingsworth a curveball. Two years earlier, she’d discovered she was pregnant after her first semester in college.

“I kind of figured no more college at that point, so I started waiting tables,” explained Hollingsworth. “I did really well and worked my way up to front house manager.”

During Hollingsworth’s early restaurant days, a coworker mentioned a scholarship program helping single parents cover expenses while earning their degree. It wasn’t the right time.

“She gave me all the information I needed, and I decided to complete an application.”

Erin Hollingsworth

But when the restaurant’s doors closed, Hollingsworth was ready to open a new one – for herself and her two-year-old son, Connor.

On the other side? Kim, an Admissions counselor at the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas “She gave me all the information I needed, and I decided to complete an application,” said Hollingsworth.

People who apply for these scholarships come from all walks of life,” said Stan Rodgers, a Commercial Banking relationship manager with Regions and 14-year volunteer with the Bentonville-based nonprofit scholarship fund. “What they share is being at a place of not having the resources to do what they’d like with their education. Single Parent Scholarship Fund offers a team to help.”

Rodgers’ role with that team involves serving as a community advisor and first-round scholarship interviewer. Regions Bank has also lent its support to Single Parent Scholarship Fund, donating over $25,000 during the past three decades.

Connecting with scholarship applicants is especially personal for Rodgers. He grew up in a single-parent home.

“I worked two to three jobs at a time to help put myself through college,” he said. “What Single Parent Scholarship Fund does is offer a full service, ‘How do we help you achieve your dreams?’ model for students doing the same.”

“We received a donated car we were able to give a student who desperately needed it.”

Krystle Goodwin will tell you she regularly sees dreams come true, including an especially memorable one her first day on the job at Single Parent Scholarship Fund.

“We received a donated car we were able to give a student who desperately needed it,” said the Public Relations and Diversity director. “It just doesn’t get any better than that.”

While the car was a rare gift, every day, Single Parent Scholarship Fund is providing students with essentials beyond their scholarship, including:

A household goods pantryHousing and apartment deposit assistanceTechnology resources like laptops, printers and tabletsCareer advising, resume writing and mock interview servicesLicensed family counselingA family back-to-school stipend for classroom supplies

Goodwin and her fellow Single Parent Scholarship Fund teammates also occasionally provide other gifts. Priceless ones.

“There was a point where I was just frozen with fear,” Hollingsworth said of facing financial struggles. “In that moment, someone gave me a bit of tough love; it was the push I needed. This team offers a unique blend of what students need by being compassionate, fun and encouraging.”

Hollingsworth credits that encouragement with motivating her to not only earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, but also a master’s in higher education.

Seeing students like Hollingsworth succeed is what inspires Rodgers to offer support. Each year, he leverages Regions’ matching gifts program to double his personal donation.

“The stories we hear are life changing,” said Rodgers. “There are a lot of tears shed during interviews. We’re seeing people achieve what they might have thought was impossible. You’re not affecting one person’s life, you’re affecting generations.”

Hollingsworth also believes it’s important to give back to Single Parent Scholarship Fund. She shares her journey of formerly receiving food stamps to now working in marketing for a Fortune 500 company. Seven years ago, she experienced a full circle moment while doing so.

“The stories we hear are life changing. There are a lot of tears shed during interviews. We’re seeing people achieve what they might have thought was impossible.”

“I was invited to speak at a student and donor luncheon at a hotel,” Hollingsworth said. “I used to be a server at that hotel; I worked events like that luncheon. But that day, I was actually up on stage, speaking at that luncheon, sharing my story.”

Hollingsworth’s son, Connor, is now 19 – the same age she was when she discovered she was pregnant. He’s currently enrolled in his first semester of college.

“Connor sees the value of education,” said Hollingsworth. “He tells me, ‘You did this on your own,’ but he was with me on this path. The kid is proud of me.”

And Hollingsworth is proud of herself as she reflects back on that day she opened the door to Single Parent Scholarship Fund’s office.

“I initially applied to settle a curiosity,” she said. “I had a little bit of ‘imposter syndrome’ and guilt that I shouldn’t be asking for this money. I didn’t think I’d make it through one semester, and now I have a master’s degree. If you would’ve told young Erin she would have a master’s degree, I’d say, ‘What universe are you coming from?'”

Cascale, alongside six other leading sustainability organizations—amfori, Ethical Trade Norway, ETI Sweden, Fair Labor Association, Fair Wear, and the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP)—recently published a joint statement urging EU policymakers to uphold the integrity of corporate sustainability regulations amid proposed changes in the EU Omnibus Package. Collectively, these organizations bring together over 6,000 companies and affiliates dedicated to responsible supply chain practices.

The European Commission’s Omnibus proposal, introduced as part of an effort to simplify corporate due diligence and reporting obligations, includes proposed changes to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The seven signatory organizations acknowledge the goal of reducing administrative burdens but highlight concerns that the proposed amendments could weaken key due diligence requirements, create legal uncertainty, and introduce challenges in enforcement.

In the joint statement, the organizations outlined key recommendations, such as:

Preserve a Proportionate and Risk-Based Approach (CS3D) – Due diligence obligations should extend beyond direct suppliers to ensure proactive risk management. A proportionate, risk-based approach aligned with internationally recognized standards helps businesses identify and mitigate risks across supply chains.Ensure Harmonized Enforcement for Legal Certainty (CS3D) – A consistent EU-wide enforcement framework is necessary to prevent fragmented national interpretations, which could lead to regulatory uncertainty and uneven compliance requirements for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.Create Stability for Businesses Committed to CSRD Reporting (CSRD) – The narrowing of the CSRD scope would exclude 80% of currently covered companies, creating legal uncertainty for businesses that have already invested in sustainability reporting and potentially misaligning reporting requirements with other EU regulations.

The joint statement emphasizes that simplification should not come at the expense of responsible business conduct. The organizations call on EU policymakers to align due diligence and reporting requirements with internationally recognized frameworks, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

Read the full joint statement here: Joint statement on Omnibus proposal

In partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation, AEG’s LA Kings made a lifelong dream come true for 12-year-old Joshua Bauer-Mesa by welcoming him as an honorary member of the team.

Joshua, who is currently in remission after battling cancer, was given the full LA Kings experience when he and his family visited the LA Kings training facility, Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo, CA on March 14, 2025. After watching the team practice, Josh joined the Kings for their official team photo before stepping onto the ice to skate with the players. To solidify his place on the team, he signed a special “contract” with Jake Goldberg, the LA Kings Senior Director of Hockey Operations.

The next day, Joshua and his family attended the LA Kings game against the Nashville Predators at Crypto.com Arena, where he not only watched the team warm-up from the bench, but also geared up to take the ice with the starting lineup. Joshua joined King’s mascot Bailey for a 3rd period drum moment with the crowd.

“Welcoming Joshua to the team was an incredibly special moment for all of us. His strength, resilience, and passion for hockey embody everything the LA Kings stand for,” said Gabe Gelbard, Manager, Kings Care Foundation. “This experience wasn’t just about granting a wish—it was about celebrating Joshua’s journey and showing that he’s a part of our Kings family forever.”

Through their partnership with Make-A-Wish, the LA Kings continue to create unforgettable experiences for fans, proving that hockey is more than just a game—it’s a community that supports and uplifts one another.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, empowering them to choose a wish that is unique to them. To learn more about Make-a-Wish Foundation, please click here.

NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 /3BL/ – Action Against Hunger, a nonprofit leader creating a future where every life is well nourished, today was named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025, honored alongside corporate leaders such as Waymo and Nvidia. The list celebrates organizations that are driving innovations that are setting new standards in their sectors. Action Against Hunger was recognized as one of the top ten most innovative nonprofits globally.

“We are honored that Action Against Hunger is being recognized by Fast Company for our 45 year track record of innovation, and the game-changing work we are doing today, from predicting hunger hotspots to creating more efficient and effective approaches to screening children for malnutrition,” said Dr. Charles E. Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger. “The world produces enough food for everyone, so chronic hunger isn’t just an issue of food. If we invest in improving the way global systems work, we can deliver on the promise of zero hunger for all.”

Fast Company recognized Action Against Hunger’s pioneering approaches to:

Predict hunger hotspots: Action Against Hunger’s advanced Modeling Early Risk Indicators to Anticipate Malnutrition (MERIAM) aims to predict malnutrition in children under five by examining a variety of factors that contribute to food insecurity and hunger. MERIAM differs from previous early warning systems in that it can predict malnutrition up to 12 months in advance, allowing for earlier and more strategic treatments.Streamline treatment for malnourished children: To help dwindling budgets go further without jeopardizing child health, Action Against Hunger is testing whether a single product can effectively manage both moderate and severe malnutrition, at lower dosages. The nonprofit also is also supporting new treatment models that are simpler for families and health systems while improving continuity of care.

In a typical year, Action Against Hunger conducts more than 30 research initiatives across more than 25 countries. While many of these efforts are at risk due to U.S. government cuts to its budget for international aid, the nonprofit is actively exploring ways to sustain both its lifesaving work — every 15 seconds, a child dies because of hunger’s effects, because there isn’t enough funding for treatment — as well as its award-winning innovation efforts.

Action Against Hunger invented the first formula to treat malnourished children, screens thousands of children for malnutrition every day, and delivers life-saving treatment that is 90% effective. It also conducts groundbreaking research to promote even greater impact and efficiency, and scales what works globally. The organization harnesses data to predict potential hunger emergencies and prevents hunger by helping farmers grow more resilient crops, providing access to clean water, and engaging local communities to co-create programs that improve livelihoods, successfully advocate for new policies, and strengthen health systems.

“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”

The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s hallmark and one of its most anticipated annual editorial efforts. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review organizations driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from NGOs to some of the most valuable companies in the world.

“By honoring Action Against Hunger alongside other leaders, Fast Company also is spotlighting hunger as one of the most pressing issues of our time—and an area where innovation can make a meaningful difference,” Dr. Owubah said. “We are inspired by the people we serve and have seen them overcome unthinkable challenges – with the right support. But conflict, climate change and budget cuts mean that hunger is once again on the rise. Today, nearly one in three people worry about where their next meal is coming from. Hunger is a crisis. Yet, by investing in innovation, it is a crisis we can solve.”

The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25.

Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.

# # #

ABOUT FAST COMPANY

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.

ABOUT ACTION AGAINST HUNGER

Action Against Hunger is a global leader creating a future where every life is well nourished.

The organization innovates to prevent malnutrition and respond to hunger hotspots, working in 59 countries and reaching more than 21 million people each year. Together, Action Against Hunger promotes resilience and working to end hunger for everyone, for good.

CONTACT

Meredith Whitefield 
mwhitefield@actionagainsthunger.org 
Originally posted by Action Against Hunger

Barclays, CBRE, Cisco, Citi Global, EDGE Technologies, Embassy REIT, Empire State Realty Trust, Enel, Genentech, GSK, KinderCare Learning Companies, JLL, Johnson Controls, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Lendlease, Sunrise Senior Living, T-Mobile and Uber among Award Recipients

NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 /3BL/ – The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for advancing healthy buildings, organizations and communities, today announced the winners of the annual 2024 IWBI Organizational Awards. All in all, the organizations being honored by IWBI for demonstrating exceptional leadership and impact at scale account for more than one billion square feet of real estate engaged in the WELL program.

Among the organizations being recognized this year are Global and Fortune 500 companies, including Citi Global, Enel, GSK and JPMorgan Chase & Co., as well as world-class real estate portfolios, including those led by Embassy REIT, Empire State Realty Trust and Lendlease.

“The WELL movement is propelled forward by visionary organizations from all across the world. This year’s honorees have inspired us with the depth of their commitments to people-first places and a healthier world for all,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “We are humbled and grateful to each and every one of our award winners for their dedication and leadership.”

Citi, one of several organizations that received multiple awards, has embraced innovative strategies to deploy WELL, such as widespread adoption of the WELL Health-Safety Rating, earning them the Health and Safety Leadership Award. “What’s most remarkable about the WELL Health-Safety Rating is that we earned it on a global scale. Citi encourages and enables people to live their best, healthiest lives and the WELL Health-Safety Rating supports that objective,” said Karinna Carrillo, Global Sustainability and Wellness Operations Analyst at Citi. “The rating not only celebrates our long-term efforts, but also validates them through the research behind the WELL Building Standard. The research is also internationally based which supports our global workforce strategy.”

The IWBI Organizational Award winners are as follows:

Barclays – Global WELL Leadership Award (over 100 locations)Embassy REIT – Global WELL Leadership Award (50-99 locations)Lendlease International Towers Sydney Trust (LITS) and Lendlease One International Towers Sydney Trust (LOITS) – Global WELL Leadership Award (less than 50 locations)Barclays – Regional WELL Leadership Award (Americas)Hongkong Land – Central Portfolio – Regional WELL Leadership Award (Asia)EDGE Technologies – EDGE developments Europe – Regional WELL Leadership Award (Europe)Citi Global – Regional WELL Leadership Award (Africa)Lendlease International Towers Sydney Trust (LITS) and Lendlease One International Towers Sydney Trust (LOITS) – Regional WELL Leadership Award (Oceania)Embassy REIT – People First Award (Real estate)JPMorgan Chase & Co. – People First Award (Non-real estate)Hongkong Land – Central Portfolio – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Air)Hongkong Land – Central Portfolio – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Water)Nan Fung Group Real Estate – Operating; EDGE Technologies – EDGE developments Europe – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Light)Investa Commercial Property Fund (ICPF); Investa – ICPF Managed; Embassy REIT; Hongkong Land – Central Portfolio – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Movement)China ISA International School; Hongkong Land – Central Portfolio – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Thermal Comfort)Lendlease International Towers Sydney Trust (LITS) and Lendlease One International Towers Sydney Trust (LOITS) – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Sound)Lendlease International Towers Sydney Trust (LITS) and Lendlease One International Towers Sydney Trust (LOITS) – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Nourishment)Investa – ICPF Managed; Lendlease International Towers Sydney Trust (LITS) and Lendlease One International Towers Sydney Trust (LOITS) – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Materials)Lendlease International Towers Sydney Trust (LITS) and Lendlease One International Towers Sydney Trust (LOITS); Deloitte US Firms – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Mind)Investa – Investa Commercial Property Fund (ICPF); Investa – ICPF Managed; Lendlease International Towers Sydney Trust (LITS) and Lendlease One International Towers Sydney Trust (LOITS); Lendlease – Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial Core Portfolio; Deloitte US Firms; Cisco Systems Inc; Citi Global; NEO; Sunrise Senior Living; KMC Community Inc – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Community)Enel – Offices [Italia]; Investa – Investa Commercial Property Fund (ICPF); Investa – ICPF Managed; Lendlease International Towers Sydney Trust (LITS) and Lendlease One International Towers Sydney Trust (LOITS); Deloitte US Firms; Veris Residential – WELL Concept Leadership Award (Innovation)Brookfield Commercial Operations; Cadillac Fairview – Select Offices; Citi Global; Cisco Systems Inc; D. M. Wenceslao and Associates Inc. – Select Offices; DPR Construction; Embassy REIT; Empire State Realty Trust; GSK Americas – Select Offices; GSK APAC – Select Offices; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; KMC Community Inc; KinderCare Learning Companies; Lendlease – Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial Core Portfolio; Lendlease International Towers Sydney Trust (LITS) and Lendlease One International Towers Sydney Trust (LOITS); M Moser Associates Ltd.; NEO; Royal Bank of Canada; Sunrise Senior Living; Swire Properties – Pacific Place Portfolio; T-Mobile – Corporate Owned Locations; TMG; Uber – Global Talent Hubs and Regional Priority Offices; 上海星卓物业管理有限公司 Shanghai Starplus Property Management Co. Ltd – Health and Safety Leadership AwardEmbassy REIT – WELL Certification Leadership AwardBarclays; Cisco Systems Inc; Empire State Realty Trust; KMC Community Inc.; NEO; Sunrise Senior Living; Veris Residential – Equity Leadership AwardNucleus Office Parks PVT Ltd – Building Performance Leadership AwardCbus Property (Commercial Office); China World Trade Center; Hongkong Land – Central Portfolio; Laguna; Nucleus Office Parks PVT Ltd; Sunrise Senior Living – Outstanding Health Progress AwardJLL – WELL AP Impact AwardCBRE Group, Inc. – WELL Enterprise Provider of the Year AwardHB Reavis – Sustainable Finance AwardBarclays; Citi Global; Kerry Properties Limited; MSD – Commercial Offices Portfolio (JCAP EMEA LATAM) – Commitment and Engagement AwardResorts World Sentosa – Leadership in Sustainability Reporting AwardCMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP; Precinct Properties; American Century Investments; DPR Construction; Genentech; CapitaLand Development – Commercial Properties and Offices; MGM China Holdings Limited; Sanofi – Select Office Sites; Johnson Controls; CR Mixc Lifestyle – Rising Star WELL at scale Award

Award recipients from around the world, spanning dozens of industries and sectors, highlight the surging global demand for WELL and its evidence-based strategies to enhance employee health, productivity and well-being. These leading companies and organizations are at the forefront of an incredible wave of WELL adoption, driving a tenfold increase over the past five years and now reaching nearly six billion total square feet of real estate worldwide.

The majority of award recipients are leveraging WELL at scale, which enables organizations to measure and improve organizational health performance and the effect it has on the people who frequent these places and spaces day in and day out.

The positive impacts driven by WELL at scale participants are steadily progressing year over year, with 20,000 locations enrolled in the program. Based on occupancy reported by WELL at scale participants, from 2023 to 2024 the number of people impacted by WELL strategies grew 72%, with WELL Certifications increasing by 42% during the same period. Platinum level certifications – the highest tier of WELL achievement – saw the most growth, rising by 73%. Across all of IWBI’s thematic offerings, the WELL Equity Rating demonstrated particularly impressive uptake, with a nearly nine-fold increase from the previous year.

Locations in Oceania achieved the highest average performance of any region globally as measured by their WELL Scores. Europe achieved the second highest average regional performance.

Based in Australia, Lendlease’s several awards include the Global WELL Regional Leadership Award (less than 50 locations), the Regional WELL Leadership Award (Oceania) and WELL Concept Leadership Awards for Sound, Nourishment, Materials, Mind, Community and Innovation.

“Lendlease is proud to be at the forefront of advancing health and well-being in the built environment. As the first portfolio globally to achieve a WELL Portfolio Score, we have demonstrated how WELL’s evidence-based strategies can be leveraged at scale to create healthier, more sustainable workplaces,” said Vanessa Orth, Managing Director, Lendlease Investment Management Australia. “IWBI’s leadership in shaping global standards has been instrumental in this journey, and we value our collaboration in enhancing the health, productivity and experience of building occupants worldwide.”

As leading brands increasingly use WELL to drive annual reporting performance, IWBI has recognized Investing in Health Award winners. These organizations are committed to elevating their WELL achievements, notably HB Reavis in sustainable finance, and Resorts World Sentosa in annual reporting.

“We are honoured to be recognised with the Sustainable Finance Award, which highlights the innovative ways we have integrated WELL standards into our sustainability-linked loans. By making the highest level of WELL Certification for new projects – and the maintenance of existing WELL Certified assets – a core KPI, we are firmly embedding health and well-being into our financial strategy,” said Abhishek Parmar, Head of Sustainable Development, HB Reavis. “This recognition affirms our commitment to delivering tangible social and environmental benefits alongside strong financial performance, and we look forward to continuing to advance these goals in the years ahead.”

These award-winning organizations will be recognized at WELL 2025, IWBI’s global event series featuring regional summits in cities around the world.

For more information about WELL, please visit www.wellcertified.com.

Notes to Editors:
The 2024 WELL at scale leaderboard and awards are based on data from the last completed review cycle of WELL at scale participants through December 31, 2024. Awards are available only to organizations or entities with five or more enrolled locations.

About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

Media contact: media@wellcertified.com

View original content here.

We’re thrilled to announce that our online trading platform, hubbIT, was recognized as a finalist in Georgia State University – J. Mack Robinson College of Business’ 2025 Marketing Awards for Excellence in Innovation. This is a significant honor that validates the hard work our team put into launching hubbIT, a one-of-a-kind tool that opens the recycling marketplace to thousands of businesses previously unable to get the value they deserve from their recyclable materials.

Thank you, Georgia State University Department of Marketing and the Marketing RoundTable at the Robinson College of Business, for seeing hubbIT‘s value.

About Georgia-Pacific 
Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose and building products.  Our familiar consumer brands include Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Dixie®, enMotion®, Quilted Northern®, Sparkle® and Vanity Fair®. Georgia-Pacific has long been a leading supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers. Its Georgia-Pacific Recycling subsidiary is among the world’s largest traders of paper, metal and plastics. The company operates more than 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly and creates more than 80,000 jobs indirectly. For more information, visit: gp.com/about-us. For news, visit: news.gp.com. Follow Georgia-Pacific on LinkedIn, Meta, Instagram, X and YouTube.

View original content here.

Originally published by DIELINE

Packaging lawn products like seeds sustainably can be a challenge. Bags have to be very durable, watertight, and airtight to protect the seeds until they’re ready to be dropped on the ground to grow. Home improvement and garden departments can also be rough and tumble environments.

Remarkably, Scotts Miracle-Gro has created a 100% recyclable paper bag for a new sub-brand called O.M. Scott & Sons. The new line of lawn care products includes Tall Fescue seed, Bermuda Grass seed, Clover seed, and Grass Food. O.M. Scott & Sons is also free of artificial ingredients or pesticides and is kid and pet-friendly.

Continue reading here.