Our research team at the Center for Active Design has been undertaking a years-long process to examine two critical questions facing the real estate industry: what is the quantifiable value of health? and how can climate change and quality of life coexist? In our second issue of Building Health, we delve deeper into these topics, spotlighting the value of investing in Social to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.

Climate and health are inextricably linked. In a monumental step forward, this message was echoed in many of the publications and conversations surrounding COP28. Building on this consensus, our team compiled five key takeaways from this landmark conference, highlighting how built environment interventions can combat climate change while also prioritizing health for all.

In this month’s Center for Active Design Insights, we took a look back at the three research themes and trends we’ve noticed throughout the year, and what we’ve learned as we turn toward 2024.

ESG or Environmental, Social, and Governance investing and reporting is an effort to integrate non-financial risk and value factors into financial decision-making processes. Learn how Fitwel’s Certified Metrics tool can help support your ESG goals.

The return to school brings the usual uptick in colds, stomach bugs, flu, and COVID-19, all of which spread more easily indoors. As the northern hemisphere cools, many of us return indoors where contagious diseases spread more easily. Fortunately, building managers, owners, and occupants can prevent contagious disease transmission with these critical strategies.

Following some of the hottest months in the northern hemisphere's history, it's difficult to imagine too much water could be a pressing concern. Yet with the tropical storm season underway, it’s imperative to consider yet another climate risk: flooding.

With global temperatures hitting record highs this summer, staying cool, healthy and safe has never been more important — especially in cities. Learn how the urban heat island effect affects our social mental and physical health, and what to do about it.

According to the latest data, fatal work injuries in 2021 were up 8.9% from 2020, and despite advances in technology and machinery over the past five years, nonfatal work injury and illness rates have not declined. In recognition of National Safety Month, learn about the key Fitwel strategies that support employers and developers in prioritizing workplace safety.

This rise in mental health conditions has ripple effects on physical health, social well-being, and even the economy. How can the built environment help? Fortunately, there are a number of interventions that can support improved mental health and increased social connectedness.

Last year, the Center for Active Design, operator of Fitwel, responded to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) request for information on indoor air quality and disease transmission. To kick off Clean Air Month – and to recognize Air Quality Awareness Week – we’ve rounded up CfAD’s key points.

Fitwel’s newly announced relational data tool will dig into performance across several core areas, including overall health promotion achievement, optimization of walkability and transit access, and support of a high-quality environment. Environmental quality is one area that we are especially excited to dig into, given the health impact, opportunity for growth, and demonstrated impact on asset value and social benefit.

We know that sleep has a significant impact on our mental health, which is why Fitwel includes many strategies that can help building occupants get better sleep, such as increasing access to daylight, locating workstations near windows, providing room darkening shades, limiting light pollution, and minimizing interior and exterior-sourced noises.