2025 marked a turning point for global real estate as consumer demand reshaped how value is created and measured. Backed by new research, international momentum, and a shift toward real-time verification, this year proved that health-focused buildings outperform—delivering rental premiums, stronger tenant satisfaction, and long-term resilience. From Fitwel’s Smart Scorecard innovations to the resurgence of Active Design, the market made one thing clear: health is no longer a trend, but a fundamental driver of performance and investment.

From zoning reform and micromobility to inclusive public spaces, 2025 marked a turning point in how cities design for health, equity, and resilience. Here’s what we learned—and why it matters.

15 years after NYC's groundbreaking Active Design Guidelines transformed how cities think about health, NYC and CFAD today launched Active Design Guidelines 2.0: Designing for Health and Equity—an updated and expanded toolkit that creates a more holistic set of design strategies that promote physical activity mental wellbeing, social connection, and equity.    

Fitwel and Awair announce a groundbreaking data partnership integrating Awair’s commercial-grade indoor air quality sensors with Fitwel’s healthy building certification platform. The collaboration delivers performance-based verification, reduces documentation, and meets surging tenant demand for healthier, more sustainable indoor environments. 

Fitwel’s new Smart Scorecard Wizard uses intelligent automation to make certification faster, smarter, and more accurate. By streamlining scorecard selection and approvals, it reduces manual effort, ensures consistency, and empowers users to focus on impact rather than paperwork.

As GRESB 2026 approaches, now is the time to strengthen your sustainability strategy. Fitwel Star and FSP Scale Certifications are recognized by GRESB—earning full and Partial+ points. Submit by December 14, 2025, to claim the SUCCESS2026 10% discount on certification fees and get ahead of next year’s reporting cycle.

Explore how Fitwel’s FSP certification links climate resilience, health, and financial value—insights from Kayne Anderson’s multifamily portfolio.

Explore the evolution of accessibility from fringe to foundational, and how inclusive design benefits all—from curb cuts to sensory-friendly smart buildings.

Discover how bringing nature indoors through biophilic design strategies—like daylighting, indoor plants, and views of nature—can boost health, well-being, and asset value. Explore why indoor biophilia matters year-round.

As we spend more time outdoors and in shared spaces this season, it's important to recognize how design can either support or hinder equity—especially for women and mothers. From public transit seating and lighting to lactation rooms and access to menstrual products, the built environment plays a critical role in shaping health outcomes. This blog explores key strategies—many reflected in the Fitwel Standard—that prioritize women’s needs while benefiting entire communities.

Discover why Fitwel stands out as an independent, science-based certification system. Operated by a nonprofit and grounded in public health research, Fitwel delivers lasting value for the real estate industry—without federal ownership or funding.

At Fitwel, we know that buildings that support health also drive financial value. That’s why we’ve launched Economic Impact Categories (EICs)—a powerful new platform feature that quantifies the financial benefits of health-promoting strategies.