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. 

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.

Explore five key takeaways from the newly updated Fitwel Ambassador Course—including the latest research on climate resilience, equity, and the business case for health—designed to help you optimize real estate for health, sustainability, and value.

The real estate industry is increasingly prioritizing healthier buildings, with research showing financial benefits like higher rents and improved tenant retention. Discover how investors, owners, and tenants can align economic and human well-being to shape the future of real estate.