A newly released report on sustainable finance, developed by the United Nations Global Compact Network USA, features the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), emphasizing the crucial role of social sustainability in shaping financial strategies and investment decisions.
Titled Driving Progress: Sustainable Finance for the Advancement of the SDGs, the report explores how U.S. businesses are leveraging sustainable finance to tackle pressing global challenges while achieving competitive financial returns.
IWBI, alongside industry leaders like Citi and International Motors, is highlighted as an example of how companies are embedding sustainability into their financial strategies to generate long-term value. The case studies provided by IWBI reflect its commitment to people-first approaches, integrating health, well-being, and equity considerations into investment decisions, corporate governance, and financial planning.
Minjia Yang, Vice President and Head of Sustainable Finance at IWBI, recently participated in the launch of the report at GreenBiz 25 during the Driving Progress: Sustainable Finance for the Advancement of the SDGs event. She shared insights on the increasing importance of people-centered strategies in sustainable finance.
State of Sustainable Finance and Its Alignment with Corporate and Social Impact Goals
Despite its rapid growth, sustainable finance still lacks significant focus on social factors, which have accounted for just 23% of sustainability-linked financing since 2017. IWBI is actively working to change this by demonstrating how prioritizing human health, safety, and well-being can generate measurable benefits for both businesses and society.
Financial tools such as sustainability-linked loans and bonds can incorporate verified social sustainability initiatives—such as those outlined in the WELL Building Standard (WELL)—to enhance business performance while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Increasingly, organizations and investors are turning to third-party sustainability frameworks to improve workforce well-being, measure impact effectively, and strengthen organizational resilience.
IWBI’s inclusion in the UN Global Compact Network USA report further underscores the vital role of social sustainability in financial strategies. The report reinforces the growing recognition that investments in people-centric approaches are essential for long-term financial stability and positive impact. Research cited in the report highlights that investing in healthier workplaces, fair labor practices, and inclusive design can lead to improved productivity, lower absenteeism, and stronger employee retention—ultimately driving financial returns.
Key Insights on the Evolution of Sustainable Finance
Leadership is key – Companies must decide whether to take a proactive role or lag behind. With over 40 sustainability taxonomies worldwide, businesses can no longer afford to focus solely on domestic regulations. A forward-thinking approach to sustainability finance and regulations is necessary for long-term resilience. While sustainability labels evolve, core values remain constant – Definitions and terminology in sustainability may shift over time, but the fundamental commitment to building a responsible, resilient future remains unchanged. True sustainability encompasses both environmental and social resilience – Social sustainability strategies, such as those outlined in the WELL Standard, are now more commonly incorporated into sustainable finance frameworks and corporate reporting worldwide, showcasing the financial benefits of investing in people. Titled Driving Progress: Sustainable Finance for the Advancement of the SDGs, the report explores how U.S. businesses are leveraging sustainable finance to tackle pressing global challenges while achieving competitive financial returns.
IWBI, alongside industry leaders like Citi and International Motors, is highlighted as an example of how companies are embedding sustainability into their financial strategies to generate long-term value. The case studies provided by IWBI reflect its commitment to people-first approaches, integrating health, well-being, and equity considerations into investment decisions, corporate governance, and financial planning.
Minjia Yang, Vice President and Head of Sustainable Finance at IWBI, recently participated in the launch of the report at GreenBiz 25 during the Driving Progress: Sustainable Finance for the Advancement of the SDGs event. She shared insights on the increasing importance of people-centered strategies in sustainable finance.
State of Sustainable Finance and Its Alignment with Corporate and Social Impact Goals
Despite its rapid growth, sustainable finance still lacks significant focus on social factors, which have accounted for just 23% of sustainability-linked financing since 2017. IWBI is actively working to change this by demonstrating how prioritizing human health, safety, and well-being can generate measurable benefits for both businesses and society.
Financial tools such as sustainability-linked loans and bonds can incorporate verified social sustainability initiatives—such as those outlined in the WELL Building Standard (WELL)—to enhance business performance while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Increasingly, organizations and investors are turning to third-party sustainability frameworks to improve workforce well-being, measure impact effectively, and strengthen organizational resilience.
IWBI’s inclusion in the UN Global Compact Network USA report further underscores the vital role of social sustainability in financial strategies. The report reinforces the growing recognition that investments in people-centric approaches are essential for long-term financial stability and positive impact. Research cited in the report highlights that investing in healthier workplaces, fair labor practices, and inclusive design can lead to improved productivity, lower absenteeism, and stronger employee retention—ultimately driving financial returns.
Key Insights on the Evolution of Sustainable Finance
IWBI’s Future in Sustainable Finance
As a global leader in sustainability standards with a strong emphasis on social sustainability, IWBI remains committed to shaping international discussions on sustainable finance, responsible investment, and corporate reporting. Through its initiatives, the organization provides a structured approach for integrating people-first sustainability strategies into financial instruments and governance practices.
In 2024, IWBI launched the Sustainable Finance Task Force, collaborating with leading organizations—including the UN Global Compact Network USA, World Economic Forum, Milken Institute, Aviva Investors, AON, Basis Investment Group, Aligned Climate Capital, GBCI, and others—to drive capital and policy advancements in social sustainability.
Building on this progress, IWBI plans to publish a comprehensive special report on sustainable finance later this year, featuring case studies from pioneering organizations worldwide. This publication aims to promote innovation and encourage broader adoption of holistic sustainability strategies in finance and investment across industries and global markets.
Additionally, in July 2025, IWBI will host its second Social Sustainability Summit in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where discussions will focus on sustainable finance approaches, equitable transitions to a low-carbon economy, global regulatory trends, and innovative strategies to enhance human and environmental well-being.
With WELL adoption covering nearly 5.8 billion square feet across 136 countries as of January 2025, IWBI continues to play a crucial role in demonstrating how financial markets, organizations, and regulatory bodies can better integrate social impact alongside environmental considerations.
Advice for Organizations Starting Their Sustainable Finance Journey
Organizations should adopt a holistic approach to key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainable finance—incorporating both environmental and social metrics, including employee well-being, community engagement, and end-user impact. These factors are not only essential for a strong sustainable finance framework but also for ensuring long-term business success.
Click here to know on IWBI’s role in sustainable finance.
As a global leader in sustainability standards with a strong emphasis on social sustainability, IWBI remains committed to shaping international discussions on sustainable finance, responsible investment, and corporate reporting. Through its initiatives, the organization provides a structured approach for integrating people-first sustainability strategies into financial instruments and governance practices.
In 2024, IWBI launched the Sustainable Finance Task Force, collaborating with leading organizations—including the UN Global Compact Network USA, World Economic Forum, Milken Institute, Aviva Investors, AON, Basis Investment Group, Aligned Climate Capital, GBCI, and others—to drive capital and policy advancements in social sustainability.
Building on this progress, IWBI plans to publish a comprehensive special report on sustainable finance later this year, featuring case studies from pioneering organizations worldwide. This publication aims to promote innovation and encourage broader adoption of holistic sustainability strategies in finance and investment across industries and global markets.
Additionally, in July 2025, IWBI will host its second Social Sustainability Summit in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where discussions will focus on sustainable finance approaches, equitable transitions to a low-carbon economy, global regulatory trends, and innovative strategies to enhance human and environmental well-being.
With WELL adoption covering nearly 5.8 billion square feet across 136 countries as of January 2025, IWBI continues to play a crucial role in demonstrating how financial markets, organizations, and regulatory bodies can better integrate social impact alongside environmental considerations.
Advice for Organizations Starting Their Sustainable Finance Journey
Organizations should adopt a holistic approach to key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainable finance—incorporating both environmental and social metrics, including employee well-being, community engagement, and end-user impact. These factors are not only essential for a strong sustainable finance framework but also for ensuring long-term business success.
Click here to know on IWBI’s role in sustainable finance.