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.

We’re delighted to spotlight Jamestown L.P., Lincoln Property Company, and Verdani Partners for achieving the Highest Scoring Multi-Tenant Project for 18 Tremont as part of our Best in Building Health Awards! Fitwel 3-star 18 Tremont exemplifies Jamestown's mission to transform spaces into future-proof innovation hubs and community centers.

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.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre is the first Canadian retail project to achieve Best in Building Health recognition. Oxford Properties acquired Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 1998 and has since transformed it into a premier people-centric centre that attracts more than 18 million customers a year.

The workplace of the future is HERE! We’re excited to celebrate the HERE Building in Reading, UK — developed by V7 Asset Management in partnership with sustainability consultancy Element Four — for achieving two Best in Building Health awards for their people-centric design.

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.

In 2020, Fitwel Ambassadors at SCG Building & Living Care Consulting led the first Asian project to receive a 3-Star Fitwel Rating. Since then, SET has received multiple Best in Building Health Awards, Fitwel Viral Response Module certification, and a 3-Star Rating upon recertification in 2022.

Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre, which is part of Oxford Property Group’s portfolio, has a 55-year history as Canada's leading super-regional shopping center. As of February 2023, Yorkdale is the only retail property in Canada to finalize Fitwel Retail Building v2.1 Certification, and just one of eight publicly disclosed in the world.

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.

Joining the Fitwel Platform has never been more important in future-proofing assets and portfolios. As we continue to roll out new features like our Relational Data Insights tool, we will also release a refreshed version of the Fitwel Standard, Version 3 (v3) in the coming months.

We believe that every building can be a healthy building. And as the demand for health-promoting built environments continues to grow, we’re often asked what exactly makes a building healthy.