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A Code for Change: How Logitech and Girls Who Code Empower Women in Tech

<img alt="Amy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ae06ff29-5e22-4d8e-8f5d-3f8e159c56dc" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/successful-return-engineering_Cummins_082025.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="720" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.cummins.com/news/2025/07/21/amys-successful-return-engineering" target="_blank">Cummins</a>

The Cummins Inc. RePower Program is a paid returnship designed to empower professionals who have been away from the workforce for at least two years. Through this six-month paid assignment, participants gain the opportunity to apply their specialized expertise, interests, life experiences and skills in fields such as IT, engineering and supply chain planning. The program includes training, coaching, development and networking events, with the potential for full-time employment opportunities upon completion. For professionals like Amy, who are reentering the workforce after a career break, such programs can be life-changing.

Amy began her career in product and process development at a flexible packaging company, collaborating closely with customers to create innovative packaging solutions. She also spent time documenting crucial manufacturing processes for transfer to new facilities. After completing a major project in her engineering role, Amy decided to pursue a career outside of engineering. While this shift allowed her to acquire valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and adaptability, she soon realized she missed using data to guide decisions. This realization prompted her to return to engineering, choosing Cummins because of its values, mission, and professional growth opportunities.

Amy discovered the Cummins RePower Program through the Society of Women Engineers’ STEM Reentry initiative. “The application process was straightforward. I submitted my application online and received a response within 24 hours. My interview was scheduled with a panel a few weeks later, and I was offered a position shortly after.”

The returnship program provided Amy with a chance to connect with a community within a large organization like Cummins. Throughout the program, she attended regular check-ins and meetings, gaining valuable insights from those who had completed the program and now worked full-time at Cummins. “My favorite part of the program was the opportunity to meet in small groups and get to know the other returnship participants and our mentors better.”

Through the RePower Program, Amy not only acquired new skills but also made significant connections. She shared her experiences with others returning to STEM, which helped her navigate her reentry into the field. The program’s support system greatly impacted her, allowing her to feel connected and supported every step of the way.

When Amy transitioned from the program to her full-time role, she remained on the same team and continued to handle many of the tasks she had during the program. She was also entrusted with additional responsibilities. The skills she gained during her career break, combined with what she learned through the RePower Program, have contributed to her success in her current position. Amy currently serves as a Certification and Compliance Lead at Cummins, where she plays a key role in assisting New Product Development teams with formal compliance reviews throughout the development process.

The structure and support provided by the returnship program helped Amy navigate the extensive organization that is Cummins. The program guided her on where to find resources, whom to ask for help, and provided a space to share experiences with others. This sense of structure made it easier for her to transition and visualize her future career within Cummins.

Amy highly recommends the Cummins RePower Program to anyone looking to reenter the STEM workforce. “I feel so fortunate that I found the program and that opportunities like this exist for those trying to rejoin STEM fields.” She believes it’s an incredible opportunity to gain the support and connections needed for successful reintegration into the field. Amy is thankful for the program and the doors it has opened for her within Cummins.

Amy’s Successful Return to Engineering

<img alt="A young cancer patient with his companion dog." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="972f8126-b558-4a2c-adcc-63d899bdc855" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/MCC-Graylon_pet%20therapy_Aflac_9.15.25A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="927" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://newsroom.aflac.com/15-new-reasons-to-smile-Aflac-Childhood-Cancer-Foundation-awards-2025-Child-Life-Grants" target="_blank">Originally published on Aflac Newsroom</a>

The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation (ACCF) has announced recipients of their 2025 Child Life Grant awards benefitting 15 hospital programs that will help bring comfort, support and guidance to pediatric patients, their siblings and families experiencing a cancer or blood disorders diagnosis. Since 2018, 83 grants totaling $152,500 have been awarded by the foundation to Child Life programs across the U.S.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to once again support the vital role child life specialists play in helping young cancer and blood disorders patients and their loved ones navigate their journeys through diagnosis and treatment,” said ACCF president Kerry Hand.

Because insurance does not typically cover Child Life programs, charitable donations are vital for some hospitals to be able to include these therapeutic and educational interventions that help minimize stress, promote coping and help children and families adjust to medical experiences, he added.
<img alt="Young child holding an Aflac Duck and a blanket." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7b789b4-7147-4adf-bf56-03787309b5f3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Aflac_Blanket_CLS_Aflac_9.15.25B.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />This year’s grantees are Children’s Health Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK – Nourishing Hope; Children’s National, Washington, DC – Super Sib Day; East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, AL – Sickle Cell education; Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, Danville, PA – Head wraps and care packages; James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital, Greenville, NC – Canine Crew; Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Atlanta, GA – coping support resources; Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Tacoma, WA – developmental play items; New York Presbyterian Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY – support group; Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL – Memory Making; Christus Children’s, San Antonio, TX - Puppyatrics ; Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ – sack lunch program; UCSF Benioff Hospital, Oakland, CA – Patient and Sibling Resiliency Initiative; UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, Gainesville, FL – sibling care packages; University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS – proton therapy patient blankets; and Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, Augusta, GA – pup companion. Stay tuned to <a href="https://newsroom.aflac.com/" target="_blank">newsroom.aflac.com</a> for more stories about the impact of these programs.

You can <a href="https://cfcv.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1049" target="_blank">join the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation</a> in its mission. One hundred percent of donations to the Aflac Childhood Cancer Campaign directly benefit children with cancer and blood disorders and their families through grants supporting treatment and research at hospitals and organizations across the U.S.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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15 New Reasons To Smile: Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Awards 2025 Child Life Grants

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6f5409e-a52e-4e48-8fff-c9831004dd5d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/AI-solutions_Cisco_090925_1.png" width="640" height="616" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Cisco’s Chief Sustainability Office hosted an AI + Climate Innovation Lab, bringing together 100+ industry experts, founders, and investors to discuss AI and data needs across nine climate sub sectors during San Francisco Climate Week 2025.</figcaption></figure>Artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise for climate innovation, but its effectiveness depends on access to diverse, high-quality data — something that can be difficult and costly to obtain in the climate sector. This data challenge further complicates an already complex financial environment for climate tech, which is supported by a blend of public, philanthropic, and private funding.

Specifically, Cisco Foundation’s grants and investments, via the <a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/our-corporate-purpose/reintroducing-the-cisco-foundation-regenerative-future-fund-redefining-impact-in-climate-investing" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Regenerative Future Fund (RFF),</a> support quality, open source, foundational data availability and innovative AI applications for climate through blended finance for the industry. Our latest blended finance engagements —with partners across regenerative agriculture and wildfire resilience — serve as case studies.

Aligning capital and data to value regenerative agriculture practices

U.S. farmers seeking to adopt regenerative agriculture practices face many challenges, such as limited access to capital and inadequate data infrastructure. In fact, the <a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-sector-income-finances/farm-sector-income-forecast" rel="noopener" target="_blank">USDA has reported 21% and 17% declines in farm working capital in 2023 and 2024 respectively</a>. These economic trends can limit farmers’ ability to invest in regenerative transitions, and challenge long-term sustainability and growth.

To address this, we provided investment capital to the <a href="https://fractal.ag/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fractal Farmer Agriculture Regenerative Management (FARM) Fund</a>, which introduced a pioneering financial model that supports farmers while maintaining their land control. Offering 10-year contracts inclusive of incentives tied to regenerative practice adoption, Fractal provides an alternative to conventional debt or majority equity funding structures.

The success of this model is reflected in Fractal’s work with 14 farms, which the organization says have reported a 6.5% higher crop yield compared to local benchmarks and maintained stronger income rates relative to market averages.

For Jesse Hough, the general manager and financial strategist of Hough Farms in East Central Nebraska, Fractal’s long term minority investment approach has helped him consistently outperform county yields. He can continue making on-farm decisions and, unlike short-term programs, Fractal supports regenerative practices for the full ten years, aligning incentives so both farmer and investor share in the long-term gains.

Fractal uses AI and machine learning to analyze underlying land productivity and create more accurate land valuations for its investments. Its models incorporate climate risk and soil health, a more sophisticated approach than traditional static measures that can under- or overvalue a farm’s long-term potential. For Fractal to continue to implement its work best and support farmers like Jesse, it needs improved data infrastructure to support underwriting and incentive processes for the company.

<blockquote>
“When regenerative practices improve yield resilience, the cash flow impacts ripple from land value to crop insurance. Through Open Ground, we’re partnering with Earth Genome to make the climate and agronomic data behind those benefits open source — ensuring it can drive meaningful impact across the entire sector.” — Dr. Emma Fuller, Co-Founder, Fractal
</blockquote>

To accelerate the development of these vital datasets, the Cisco Foundation also provided an early-stage cash grant to <a href="https://www.earthgenome.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Earth Genome</a>. Their new, open-source Open Ground initiative, developed in collaboration with Fractal, will integrate historical climate data, localized extreme weather models, and advanced crop failure classifications to deliver precise field-level insights. Their open access helps stakeholders like researchers, startups, insurers, lenders, and public good entities unlock the potential for AI applications in agriculture. It also helps them to confidently invest in, integrate and reward regenerative agricultural practices in their operations.

The AI edge in wildfire management: Mapping a resilient future

Another example of our blended finance approach is our support of Vibrant Planet and Vibrant Planet Data Commons to address wildfire and land management.

Cisco Foundation’s investee, <a href="https://www.vibrantplanet.net/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vibrant Planet PBC</a>, operates on the core thesis that “you can’t understand what you can’t see”— a concept increasingly crucial as more extreme weather, outdated fire suppression policies, and fragmented restoration efforts make U.S. forests more susceptible to catastrophic wildfires.

The lack of open-source, high-quality data has hindered restoration, management, and community engagement, and has especially excluded Indigenous stewardship and perspectives.

Addressing these challenges requires advanced technology. Vibrant Planet leverages satellite imagery, remote sensing, AI-powered modeling, and cloud-based data integration to capture a comprehensive, real-time picture of forest health, fire risk, and ecosystem change with unmatched granularity.

While these technologies enable the collection, analysis, and sharing of vast datasets —spanning millions of acres — they provide it at an incredibly localized level. This makes actionable insights and informed recommendations via their wildfire resilience platform available to land managers, scientists, and policymakers.

<a href="https://www.vpdatacommons.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vibrant Planet Data Commons</a>, the nonprofit arm of Vibrant Planet PBC, makes forest science and data meaningful and accessible to drive wildfire and ecosystem resilience. With Cisco Foundation grant support since 2022, they’ve built core infrastructure and released novel open-access data packages — including a wildfire ignition probability model  —alongside story-driven tools for public engagement.

Their work prioritizes Indigenous knowledge sharing, with protocols co-developed alongside Tribal partners. These packages are used by scientists and practitioners across the American West, with a growing focus on tracking how this knowledge informs management and infrastructure decisions.

As Dr. Chelsey Walden-Schreiner, Director of Science Development at Vibrant Planet Data Commons shared, “Together, Vibrant Planet PBC and VPDC form a hybrid engine for change — where science meets scalable systems, and where public good and market-driven innovation reinforce one another. Our success is not parallel, but interdependent — unlocking a model for how mission-aligned for-profits and nonprofits can co-create transformative climate resilience.”

Together, these examples illustrate how blended finance and open data can help inform AI-driven approaches to climate resilience, such as supporting more adaptive agricultural practices and informing forest management strategies.

This blog was written with assistance from Ryan Jones, Cisco Chief Sustainability Office, TekSystems.

View original content <a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/our-corporate-purpose/the-data-catalyst-blended-finance-paving-the-way-for-climate-ai-solutions" target="_blank">here</a>.

Cisco - The Data Catalyst: Blended Finance Paving the Way for Climate AI Solutions

<img alt="Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver for The Ohio State Buckeyes." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10d0c70d-a7b4-4cc9-b6b7-d56dde64bab9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jeremiah_Smith_KeyBank_9.10.25.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />CLEVELAND, September 12, 2025 /CSRwire/ - Today, <a href="https://www.key.com/personal/index.html" target="_blank">KeyBank</a> proudly announced a dynamic new partnership with Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver for <a href="https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/football" target="_blank">The Ohio State Buckeyes</a> and one of college football’s top athletes. The collaboration marks a strategic move by Key to deepen engagement across communities in its home state of Ohio and connect with younger audiences through shared values of education, empowerment and community impact.

The collaboration will launch a new social-first campaign, “The KeyBank Financial Playbook,” designed to empower individuals with financial knowledge through engaging, football-themed content. The initiative combines Smith’s athletic achievements with KeyBank’s commitment to financial wellness, creating a unique platform to reach younger audiences and sports fans across Ohio and beyond.

Smith, a sophomore at The Ohio State University, has shattered freshman records and is a projected Heisman contender and first-round NFL draft pick. He brings a rapidly growing social media presence and an authentic personal brand.

“Jeremiah Smith is more than a football phenom, he’s a role model for young people, a passionate advocate for education and believes in the power of community and collaboration,” said Patty Jurca, KeyBank Chief Brand Officer. “His commitment to using his platform for good aligns perfectly with KeyBank’s purpose: to help our clients, our colleagues and our communities thrive.”

The partnership also includes exclusive rights to Smith’s name, image and likeness in the banking category, and support of KeyBank’s charitable initiatives.

“Partnering with KeyBank is an opportunity to make a real impact off the field. As a student-athlete, I see firsthand how important financial literacy is for young people and families,” said Smith. “KeyBank has long been a leader in the financial services industry and a pillar in the state of Ohio. Together, we’re working to provide resources and education that strengthen our communities here and beyond.”

“Jeremiah’s influence reaches far beyond the football field,” added Lara DeLeone, KeyBank Central Ohio Market President. “He’s a powerful voice for the next generation, and we’re proud to work with him to unlock new opportunities for our clients and communities.”

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 <a href="https://historyofkeybank.com/" target="_blank">KeyBank Heritage Center</a>. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 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 <a href="https://www.key.com/" target="_blank">https://www.key.com/</a>. KeyBank Member FDIC. 

CFMA# 250910-3479278

KeyBank Partners With Ohio State Football Star Jeremiah Smith To Inspire Communities and Launch ‘The KeyBank Financial Playbook’ Campaign

<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/Lekil%27Na_%2011%20viviendas%20dignas%20y%20sustentables%20para%20una%20comunidad%20tzotzil%20en%20Chiapas..mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

Habitat for Humanity Mexico (HPHM) partnered with families in the Monte Sion community of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, to build 11 new homes. Working together with the homeowners, these homes will benefit 42 community members, 19 adults and 23 children. Part of the Lekil’Na project, a name given by the community meaning “sustainable housing” in Tzotzil, the homes reflect a shared commitment to stronger, healthier living spaces.
<img alt="In the heart of Southern Mexico, Chipas pulses with the echoes of ancient voices." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="523fdad2-6beb-4f6d-af3a-e0b61d3d958e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Habitat%20for%20Humanity%20Mexico_Wesco_8.14.25D.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="687" loading="lazy" />The homes are sustainable, affordable, and adequate, with legal certainty of ownership, and utilize solar panels and energy-efficient wood-burning stoves. They were built with sustainable materials such as concrete blocks using RESIN8™, a technology that transforms non-recyclable plastic waste into concrete blocks and floors, demonstrating greater durability and reliability in the construction process.
<img alt="Habitat for Humanity Mexico delivered 11 EDGE certified homes." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13ecf8f4-8091-419a-9d19-54d3acdac121" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Habitat%20for%20Humanity%20Mexico_Wesco_8.14.25B.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />The homes are being certified under the EDGE system, thanks to 3Lotus Consulting and GBCI Mexico. EDGE is an innovation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This certification demonstrates that it is possible to develop social housing that meets international standards of sustainability, efficiency, and well-being.
<img alt="This initiative provides decent and safe home, directly impacting 23 children and 19 adults." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1246ae1-7da1-4027-8821-0a16a97824cb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Habitat%20for%20Humanity%20Mexico_Wesco_8.14.25C.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="672" loading="lazy" />This project was made possible thanks to the partnership between Habitat for Humanity Mexico and CRDC Mexico, which secured investment from<a href="https://www.wesco.com/" target="_blank"> Wesco International</a> and Dow. Together, they made this replicable sustainability model a reality. It seeks to inspire the public, private, and social sectors to rethink how we build and for whom we build. It is hoped that more companies will soon join these types of social investment initiatives so that we can all live with dignity without compromising the future of the planet.

Wesco and Habitat for Humanity Mexico (HPHM) Deliver Sustainable Homes for a Tzotzil Community in Chiapas

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2326fbfa-57ab-4e59-a4a6-4c55db027f41" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pathways%20to%20homeownership_U.S.%20Bank_9.8.25A.jpg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Ashley Taylor, assistant director, and Rebecca Buford, executive director, with Tenants to Homeowners help aspiring homeowners by providing financial education and connecting them with affordable options.</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/news-and-stories/article-library/creating-pathways-to-affordable-homeownership-through-community-and-banking.html" target="_blank">Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog</a>

For Heather Dirk at U.S. Bank, housing affordability — whether it’s a person’s first time purchasing a home or looking for a new home for a growing family — is always top of mind.

“There’s a lot to think about: down payments, mortgage payments, insurance,” said Dirk, a mortgage loan officer. “For some, the costs might make it seem like homeownership is out of reach, but there are pathways and support here at U.S. Bank and in your community to help you get there.”

That support can come in many forms, from the that provides down payment assistance and flexible credit requirements to community organizations like Tenants to Homeowners.

“Our goal is to keep housing affordable, which has been a challenge,” said Ashley Taylor, an assistant director at Tenants to Homeowners, which helps buyers and sellers. “Right now, we have 116 houses and 143 affordable rentals currently in trust, and we’re building more. However, costs have gone through the roof since the pandemic due to a shortage of materials, demand for subcontractors and more.”

Based in Lawrence, Kansas, Tenants to Homeowners is geared toward making housing permanently affordable in its community. Founded in 1992 as a community housing development organization and transformed into a community land trust in 2005, the organization builds and stewards affordable homes.

Using grants, it is able to build both rental units and homes for purchase. The homes the organization sells are offered at prices below market value to low- to moderate-income buyers as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

When a homeowner is ready to sell the property, Tenants to Homeowners finds another income-eligible buyer and stewards the resale of the home at an affordable price that gives the seller a fair return on their investment and ensures it is still affordable for the new buyer. Through this approach, community land trusts aim to balance an individual’s need to build wealth and a community's need to have a stock of affordable starter homes.

Right now, Tenants to Homeowners has 13 projects in progress, including rentals and homes for sale. As those homes are being built, Taylor is focused on helping individuals and families prepare for homeownership.

<blockquote>
“For some, the costs might make it seem like homeownership is out of reach, but there are pathways and support here at U.S. Bank and in your community to help you get there.”

- Heather Dirk, U.S. Bank mortgage loan officer
</blockquote>

“I do a phone interview, go over all the high points on how it works and gather general information about them from their credit score to how many people are in their household,” Taylor said. “If they qualify for the program, they must attend a homebuyer workshop. I do five a year and do tailored workshops for free, so grants like the one from the U.S. Bank Foundation allow me the time and ability to reach out to all of these people.”

The grants from the U.S. Bank Foundation totaled $65,000 over the past two years and support financial education for future homebuyers as well as its staff.

For buyers, Taylor’s workshops cover a variety of topics, including what lenders look for, what relationships homebuyers need and how a credit score is determined.

“There was no education like this when I first bought my home,” Taylor said. “There’s so little education about buying a home when it’s literally the most expensive thing you are going to buy. I help them get a better idea what they need to do, understand what they’re comfortable with and where there might be down payment assistance or other programs such as those that can help them repair or build credit.”

For Kristen Polchinski, a community affairs manager at U.S. Bank, supporting organizations like Tenants to Homeowners helps create opportunities for long-term wealth building.

“Owning a home is a powerful wealth builder, but not everyone is in a place to purchase,” Polchinski said. “Organizations like Tenants to Homeowners, as well as our own bankers who provide financial education across the country, are dream makers — helping people become mortgage-ready and finding a path forward that works for them and their goals.”

Taylor said she continues to look to the future, creating a brochure of local resources as well as undergoing additional training to prepare homeowners who are now in their 70s with estate planning preparedness and providing financial education for the next generation of homeowners.

“I really love what I do,” she said, adding that 40% of the Lawrence population is eligible for the program based on the most recent U.S. Census. “I sold real estate on the open market for eight years and have a degree in social work. This brings that all together.”

U.S. Bank mortgage professionals support the homebuying to homeownership journey:

<ol><li>Working with a U.S. Bank mortgage loan originator to understand what you can afford and what your borrowing options are, including any down payment assistance programs you may qualify for.</li>
	<li>Get pre-approved for a mortgage to begin your home search.</li>
	<li>Once you are in your home, your dedicated U.S. Bank mortgage loan originator can help you understand options to access your home’s equity or refinance.</li>
</ol>

Creating Pathways to Affordable Homeownership Through Community and Banking

<img alt="Investing In Health Pays Back report cover" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8fbfa30-b01b-4278-b76c-121c5a28340c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/report-underscores-the-powerful-business-case-for-health-in-buildings_IWBI_091625.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1649" loading="lazy" />Backed by more than twice the research and citations, the second edition of the Investing in Health Pays Back report establishes well-being as a definitive business imperative, featuring an extensive body of evidence showing how prioritizing health fuels productivity, strengthens retention and recruitment and enhances real estate value.

NEW YORK, September 17, 2025 /CSRwire/ - The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) today released the second edition of its landmark report, <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1-kkZmitkSrCKK7XPFaNqkQ46vxw" target="_blank">Investing in Health Pays Back: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Healthy Organizations</a>, offering a singular resource that brings together the largest collection of research to date that links investments in health and well-being to measurable economic returns.

The new report, <a href="https://www.wellcertified.com/health-pays-back/" target="_blank">released as the second edition</a>, more than doubles the research and citations from the original, integrating academic studies, industry data and real-world case studies. This report offers a clear answer to a pressing question facing practitioners today: how should future projects be shaped to elevate human health while unlocking significant economic value? Collectively, it also makes a powerful case to policymakers, real estate leaders and institutional investors that investing in people is not just the right thing to do—it’s one of the smartest economic strategies organizations can pursue.

“We’ve gathered and distilled into one indispensable resource the strongest global evidence to date linking healthy buildings with human well-being and performance,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “Whether you’re an investor, developer, architect, engineer or advocate, by giving you the data and insights you need to make the case for healthier buildings and the value of WELL, together we’re building the foundation for a healthier future.”

Among the report’s key findings:

<ul><li>Investing in holistic employee health could generate nearly $12 trillion in global economic value and boost global GDP by up to 12%, according to a McKinsey Health Institute study.</li>
	<li>Improved ventilation can increase employee productivity up to $7,500 per person per year, according to a study led by Harvard researchers.</li>
	<li>Certified healthy buildings command rent premiums of 4% to7%, according to two independent studies, one from MIT researchers and another from researchers at the University of Cambridge.</li>
	<li>WELL Certified buildings report significantly higher employee satisfaction compared to non-certified buildings, including 18% more satisfied with access to sunlight, 17% more satisfied with acoustical privacy, 16% more satisfied with connection to the outdoor environment, 12% more satisfied with lighting, 11% more satisfied with thermal comfort and 10% more satisfied with both indoor air quality and air movement.</li>
	<li>Occupants in WELL Certified buildings are 39% more likely to report satisfaction with the building compared to those in green-certified buildings.</li>
</ul>“With this report, we’re equipping everyone across IWBI’s global community with the data they need to drive faster adoption of healthy building practices,” said Dr. Jason Hartke, the lead author and IWBI’s Executive Vice President for External Affairs and Global Advocacy. “The message is clear: prioritizing health delivers measurable returns across productivity, talent retention, real estate value and operational resilience.”

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

Read the full report at: <a href="https://www.wellcertified.com/health-pays-back/" target="_blank">https://www.wellcertified.com/health-pays-back/</a>

Quotes from the Report:

“Buildings—the places where each of us spends roughly 90% of our lives – must be at the heart of the solution to foster wellness and deliver positive health outcomes at scale, not to mention the many economic benefits for organizations implementing these science-backed strategies,” said Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States.

"What we see now—more clearly than ever—is that investing in healthy buildings and organizations is one of the smartest, most immediate returns we can make," said Professor Alessandro Miani, Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) and University of Milan. "It not only protects and enhances human health, but also creates a host of powerful economic benefits, such as increasing real estate value, boosting productivity, and improving efforts to attract and retain top talent. Investing in health has clearly become a business imperative."

“Transforming the health and well-being of the places and spaces where we live, work and gather presents an unprecedented opportunity to improve public health—while unlocking incredible economic value for organizations,” said Rick Fedrizzi, Executive Chairman, IWBI. “After all, people are the single largest investment of any organization, accounting for 90% of expenses. By linking healthier environments to measurable gains in productivity, satisfaction and retention, the findings enable organizations to move beyond intuition and make data-driven decisions that enhance their human capital strategy.”

“Employers increasingly recognize that accommodating individuals who think differently can provide a huge competitive advantage,” said Kay Sargent, author of Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces.

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 <a href="http://www.wellcertified.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.

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:

<a href="mailto:media@wellcertified.com" target="_blank">media@wellcertified.com</a>

View original content <a href="https://resources.wellcertified.com/press-releases/new-iwbi-report-underscores-the-powerful-business-case-for-health-in-buildings-and-organizations/" target="_blank">here</a>.

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) today released the second edition of its landmark report, Investing in Health Pays Back: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Healthy Organizations,

New IWBI Report Underscores the Powerful Business Case for Health in Buildings and Organizations

<img alt="volunteer donating blood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d76775d-986b-404d-9f94-06935b673e1a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blood-drive_PSEG_090925_1.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1250" loading="lazy" />We’re proud to partner with the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-red-cross/" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a> to bring hope and healing to our communities through our employee Blood Drives.  
This year, 72 of our incredible employees donated blood, including 28 first-time donors. Together, they collected 75 blood products – including plasma and whole blood donations – potentially saving hundreds of lives. 
<img alt="volunteer smiling after donating blood " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="302fd99e-fc73-4eb7-a013-fa95ddeba0e2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blood-drive_PSEG_090925_2.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1250" loading="lazy" /> 
We’re also taking part in the Red Cross “Sleeves Up” campaign. With 53 donation pledges already made toward our goal of 100, our employees continue to show what it means to help make our communities brighter. 

View original content <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pseg_thank-you-volunteers-activity-7369459346210037760-xEIg/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAAACuHX0B_8exHEeyvRwmSoxObmkHGHY9tFQ" target="_blank">here</a>.
<img alt="volunteer smiling after donating blood " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0c8edf7-fafd-4640-b8c1-67c685343e81" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blood-drive_PSEG_090925_3.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1250" loading="lazy" /><img alt="volunteer after donating blood " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="134115e6-02e5-4d57-b88b-406d0b1445ac" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blood-drive_PSEG_090925_4.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1250" loading="lazy" />

We’re proud to partner with the American Red Cross to bring hope and healing to our communities through our employee Blood Drives. 

Employee Blood Drives Helps American Red Cross With PSEG

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