Latest news with #InternationalWELLBuildingInstitute
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
IWBI Launches Tool Aligning WELL v2 to BRSR, Supercharging Indian Companies' Ability To Identify, Measure and Report on Social Sustainability Strategies
New practical resource is designed to help organizations explore how WELL's strategies for health, well-being and social impact align with India's Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework -- Strategies in WELL can contribute to 42% of BRSR indicators NEW YORK and DELHI, May 14, 2025 /3BL/ - The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for advancing healthy buildings, organizations and communities, announced today the launch of its WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool, a resource designed to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the alignment between the WELL Building Standard (WELL v2) and the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, which was introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). This tool aims to demonstrate how WELL v2 can complement certain BRSR disclosure obligations, while fostering health, well-being and social sustainability across buildings, organizations and communities. Strategies in WELL v2 can contribute to approximately 42% of the BRSR indicators, including 44% of essential (mandatory) and 38% of leadership (voluntary) indicators, according to IWBI's analysis. In addition to highlighting extensive alignment, the tool offers companies a clear framework for leveraging WELL to help meet India's sustainability reporting requirements. 'India's sustainability journey is entering a new chapter—one where transparency, accountability and the well-being of people are taking center stage,' said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. 'We are proud to introduce the WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool to support the business community in India and demonstrate how WELL helps companies to advance their health and well-being strategies to align with corporate sustainability objectives and reporting requirements.' As sustainability reporting becomes increasingly central to corporate accountability in India, the BRSR framework highlights the need for organizations to demonstrate their impact on people and the planet. This tool supports that effort by illustrating how strategies within the WELL Standard can contribute to key BRSR disclosures—particularly those related to health, well-being and social impact. 'India is one of the fastest-growing markets for WELL adoption, with forward-looking organizations applying WELL strategies not only to individual buildings but across entire portfolios,' said Prateek Khanna, IWBI Chief Operating Officer. 'This approach reinforces enterprise-level leadership in social sustainability while supporting alignment with India's evolving regulatory expectations—backed by WELL's rigorous third-party verification and a consistent, people-first framework.' As BRSR continues to mature, companies in India are actively seeking structured frameworks to integrate social sustainability and employee well-being into their disclosures. BRSR places explicit emphasis on employee well-being as one of its nine core principles based on India's National Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC). 'India has taken bold steps in advancing sustainability through regulations like BRSR,' said Minjia Yang, Vice President and Head of Sustainable Finance at IWBI. 'Based on IWBI's internal review, strategies in WELL v2 may contribute to five out of the nine BRSR principles, with the strongest alignment observed across socially focused areas such as employee well-being, human rights and stakeholder engagement. This reinforces the unique value WELL brings to organizations seeking to meet regulatory expectations while advancing health, equity and people-centered sustainability.' The WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool reflects IWBI's commitment to better understanding the interplay between the WELL Standard and global sustainability regulations. Increasingly, governments around the world are exploring ways to support social sustainability, such as India's BRSR framework, as well as in other international frameworks and organizational initiatives. As regulations and best practices continue to evolve globally, this tool not only aims to address alignment but also to provide insights for policy, advocacy and a holistic understanding of social sustainability to promote the thriving of our people and the planet. The WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool was developed in close collaboration with the India team of Ideaship Inc. 'In a way, WELL brings the 'how' to BRSR's 'why.' They operate like two interlocking gears in the same engine wherein BRSR sets the direction through structured transparency, and WELL powers the motion with actionable strategies,' said Ashish Pandya, Lead Consultant, Sustainable Spaces, ideaship Inc. 'While BRSR outlines the framework for human capital and well-being, WELL provides the roadmap to act on it. Together, they turn ESG from theory to experience. It is the difference between promising a great workplace and actually creating one people are proud to be part of.' To access the WELL v2 - BRSR alignment tool and learn more about its benefits, please visit the resource page. What our community is saying: 'With the launch of WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool, IWBI is enabling companies to elevate their ESG disclosures by integrating health and well-being metrics into respected ESG rating frameworks. This alignment strengthens transparency, drives performance on social indicators, and supports organizations in achieving higher ESG scores through credible, standard-based reporting.'— Shavi Chawla, Chief Ratings Officer, ESG Rating Provider - CFC Finlease 'IWBI's WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool is a game-changer for Indian companies navigating ESG transformation. At Growlity, we've seen first-hand how health and well-being metrics, when integrated with BRSR disclosures, can unlock deeper stakeholder value and regulatory preparedness. This strategic tool empowers the top 1000 listed companies to go beyond compliance and lead with purpose—turning ESG ambition into measurable outcomes.'— Dr. Nitin Dumasia, President and CEO, Growlity, Inc. About BRSRThe Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, developed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), mandates sustainability disclosures for India's top 1,000 listed companies by market capitalization. Introduced as a voluntary framework in FY 2021–22 and made mandatory from FY 2022–23, BRSR represents one of the most comprehensive and regulated national sustainability reporting frameworks globally. Grounded in India's National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC), the BRSR framework covers nine principles that span environmental, social and governance topics. The framework is designed to drive transparency, accountability and long-term value creation across India's corporate sector. About WELLWELL v2 is the latest iteration of the WELL Building Standard, the world's premier building rating system that provides actionable strategies for health and well-being at the building, organizational and community levels. In addition to the WELL v2 - ESRS alignment tool, IWBI has also created WELL v2 alignment tools with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, GRESB, LEED, IRIS, GRI, S&P CSA. Today, more than 74,000 commercial and residential locations in 138 countries are using WELL, representing nearly 6 billion square feet of space. In addition, more than 180 companies in the Global 500 and Fortune 500 are using WELL to demonstrate health leadership and support their annual reporting. Increasingly, WELL is being factored in sustainable finance, included in at least 12 financial instruments to date. Seventy organizations across various industries around the world have incorporated WELL into one or more of their sustainable finance frameworks and reporting mechanisms. About the International WELL Building InstituteThe International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here. International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries. Media contact: [email protected] View original content here.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
2024 IWBI Awards Recognize Outstanding Individual Achievements in Advancing Health and Well-being
WELL APs and WELL Faculty recognized for catalyzing people-first places and organizations in 2024 NEW YORK, NY / / March 13, 2025 / The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for advancing healthy buildings, organizations and communities, today announced the winners of the 2024 IWBI Community Awards. This year, we celebrate dozens of outstanding leaders from IWBI's WELL Faculty and WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) community who are being recognized for their impassioned leadership and advocacy. WELL Faculty and WELL APs-a community of nearly 28,000 people in 133 countries who have obtained or are working toward the professional credential denoting expertise in WELL-have worked hand-in-hand with organizations pursuing IWBI's achievements under the WELL Standard, including pursuit of WELL Certification, WELL ratings and applying WELL at scale, now collectively spanning nearly 6 billion square feet across 136 countries. The 2024 award winners are providing organizations with people-first solutions to meet the rising demand for health. Among this year's esteemed recipients, IWBI honors four innovators breaking new ground in emerging markets, six Changemakers driving market transformation and two revolutionary Educators of the Year. This year's winning roster also includes Rising Stars making waves, fearless Trailblazers pushing boundaries and visionary leaders advancing the Next Frontier of Design. A long-time healthy building leader who has made innumerable contributions to the movement will receive IWBI's inaugural Legacy Award. These honorees are not just making an impact-they are transforming their fields and shaping the future. "This year's Community Award winners are truly remarkable. Each of these leaders has made profound contributions to the healthy building movement and advancing our shared vision for people-first places and flourishing organizations. Hailing from 15 countries, our honorees have contributed massively to the explosive demand for WELL spaces worldwide," said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. "We are honored to work alongside these amazing individuals and so very grateful for their dedication and impassioned efforts." The IWBI Individual Award winners are as follows: Annalise Dum - WELL AP of the Year Giovanni Cossu - Regional Leader Award (Asia) Lisa James-Holmes - Regional Leader Award (Oceania) Chun Wai (Curtis) Chan - Regional Leader Award (China) Sohrab Yazdani - Regional Leader Award (Americas) Ömer Dome - Regional Leader Award (Europe) Giuliano Camerini; Wojciech Tworek; Will Procter; Ken Fong; Kirara Washida; Mark Klein; Rebecca Rice; Abigail Sirevaag; Casey Cullenwoods; Sophie Hemmings; Wai Long (Leo) Chou; Shouzhang (Anson) Wang - Adoption of WELL Award Ryan Nagal; Abdul Mooed Chaudhary; Ulises Trevino; Deng Yao (Dean) Tsao; Sitanshu Singhdeo - Emerging Market Award Liam Bates; Melinda Mandla; Deepa Sathiaram; Lauren Spudowski; Lisa MacVicar; Tiexin Chen - Changemaker Award Bahar Armaghani, Christhina Candido - Educators of the Year Award Jorge Rodríguez Fernández - Performance Testing Agent of the Year Award Brigitte Solís Wolffson - Super Project Admin Award Melody Ratliff; Karinna Carrillo; Keyi (Oliver) Yao; Carson Alsop; Priyanka Rajgadkar; Yua Okazaki - Rising Star Award Johnathan Hamel - WELL Forum Influencer Award Robin Mellon; Kellie Ballew; Lissa Engle; Julia Lebiocka; Shweta Dixit; Aline Schroth Beuther; Michael Bohn; Alessandro Bisagni; Anjanette Green; Bo (Weber) Wang; Xiaoming Xiao - Trailblazer Award Cara Coogan; Stefano Tronci; Emily Busam; Filomena Beshara; Naree Phinyawatana; Sarah Angne Alfaro - Next Frontier of Design Award Tracy Backus - WELL Legacy Award Tracy Backus recently retired from Teknion after spending over 25 years championing sustainability, workplace well-being and the connection between the built environment and human health. A WELL AP, WELL Faculty and former Director of Sustainable Programs, she has been a driving force in WELL and LEED strategies, educating industry leaders and shaping a more sustainable future. Her passion for strategic thinking, environmental advocacy and healthy design has left a lasting impact, making her a deserving recipient of the first ever WELL Legacy Award. One of the most prestigious honors each year, the 2024 WELL AP of the Year, is awarded to Annalise Dum, the North America Sustainable Building Practices Lead at JLL. A leader in sustainable real estate, Dum is responsible for driving JLL's North American ESG sales efforts and has long championed the WELL movement, overseeing more than 100 projects and 16 million square feet of certified space. As a Senior Sustainability Project Manager, she leads building certification initiatives and provides strategic guidance to help clients align their commercial real estate portfolios with their broader business objectives. What some of our award recipients are saying: "Being recognized as Educator of the Year (Faculty) by IWBI fills me with heartfelt pride and gratitude. This honor not only acknowledges our passion for creating people-first spaces at the University of Florida and beyond, but it also celebrates our commitment to nurturing and empowering future generations," said Bahar Armaghani, Director and Instructional Associate Professor, University of Florida College of Design, Construction and Planning. "Our work-especially through the innovative WELL HBCU Pilot Practicum in partnership with IWBI-reflects a deep dedication to education. Together, we're paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable and vibrant future filled with possibility." "Winning the Educator of the Year award is a reflection of the value placed on applied research and authentic learning environments," said Christhina Candido, Professor and Director of Sustainable and Healthy Environments Lab, University of Melbourne. "To me, it underscores the importance of these elements, which have always been central to IWBI's approach in collaborating with academia." Each of these award-winning individuals will be recognized during WELL 2025, a series of more than 20 global events hosted in cities around the world. For more information about WELL, please visit About the International WELL Building InstituteThe International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here. International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries. Media contact: media@ View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) on Contact Info:Spokesperson: International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)Website: info@ SOURCE: International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IWBI Champions Social Sustainability in Sustainable Finance, Featured in UN Global Compact Network USA Report
NORTHAMPTON, MA / / February 26, 2025 / International WELL Building Institute (IWBI): IWBI's inclusion in the report reflects the growing recognition of integrating human and social well-being into sustainable finance as a driver of long-term business resilience and impact. By Minjia Yang and Kristen Coco A new report on sustainable finance developed by the United Nations Global Compact Network USA features the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), highlighting the critical role of social sustainability in driving financial strategies and investment decisions. The report, Driving Progress: Sustainable Finance for the Advancement of the SDGs, "explores how American businesses leverage sustainable finance to address the world's most pressing challenges while generating competitive returns." Examples from IWBI, along with other industry-leading companies like Citi and International Motors, showcase how businesses are embedding sustainability considerations into financial strategies to drive long-term value. IWBI case studies reflect its leadership in advancing people-first strategies and integrating health, well-being and equity considerations into financial decision-making, corporate governance and investment frameworks. We caught up with Minjia Yang, Vice President and Head of Sustainable Finance at IWBI, who recently joined leading finance and sustainability experts to help launch the report at GreenBiz 25 during the Driving Progress: Sustainable Finance for the Advancement of the SDGs event. Here's what she had to say about the growing role of people-centered strategies in sustainable finance. Q: What's the state of sustainable finance today, and how can sustainable finance align corporate objectives with social and environmental impact? A: Despite the rapid expansion of sustainable finance, social factors remain significantly underrepresented, accounting for just 23% of sustainability-linked financing since 2017.(1) At IWBI, we are working to change that by demonstrating how prioritizing human health, safety and well-being can drive measurable business and societal benefits. Sustainability-linked loans, bonds and other financial instruments can incorporate verified social sustainability strategies, such as those outlined in the WELL Building Standard (WELL), to enhance business performance and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are seeing firsthand how organizations and investors are increasingly leveraging third-party verified sustainability frameworks to enhance workforce well-being, strengthen impact measurement and improve organizational resilience. IWBI's inclusion in the UN Global Compact Network USA report further emphasizes that social sustainability is a critical piece of the finance puzzle. The report helps to validate the awareness that investments in people-centric strategies are essential to long-term financial resilience and impact. Research cited in the report shows that investments in healthier workplaces, fair labor practices and inclusive design strategies can drive financial returns by improving productivity, reducing absenteeism and enhancing employee retention. Q. What are your top three takeaways about the evolution of sustainable finance? A. The future of sustainable finance is about leadership. Companies have a choice: to lead or to follow. With 40+ sustainability taxonomies worldwide, global businesses can no longer afford to focus only on domestic regulations. Proactive action on sustainability regulation and finance is essential for long-term business resilience. Sustainability labels may evolve, but the core values remain. Labels, definitions and terminology in sustainability will continue to shift, but the fundamental principles that bring us together-building a responsible, resilient future-remain unchanged. True sustainability means both environmental and social resilience. Social sustainability strategies, like those found in the WELL Standard, are increasingly embedded in sustainable finance frameworks and corporate reporting globally, demonstrating the financial value of investing in people. Q: What's next on the horizon for IWBI's continued leadership in sustainable finance? A. As a global sustainability standards body with a dedicated focus on social sustainability, IWBI will continue to help shape international conversations on sustainable finance, responsible investment and corporate reporting. Through our work, we're providing a framework to integrate people-first sustainability strategies into financial instruments and corporate governance. In 2024, IWBI launched the Sustainable Finance Task Force, bringing together leading organizations-including UN Global Compact Network USA, World Economic Forum, Milken Institute, Aviva Investors, AON, Basis Investment Group, Aligned Climate Capital, GBCI and others-to accelerate the flow of capital and policy toward social sustainability. Building on this momentum, IWBI will publish a comprehensive special report on sustainable finance this year, featuring case studies from pioneering organizations worldwide. This new resource is designed to drive innovation and expand the adoption of holistic sustainability strategies in financing and investment activities across industries and global markets. In July of this year, we'll also host our second-ever Social Sustainability Summit in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to further explore sustainable finance strategies, the equitable transition to a low-carbon economy, global regulatory trends in sustainability and innovative approaches to enhance well-being for people and the planet. With WELL adoption spanning nearly 5.8 billion square feet across 136 countries as of January 2025, IWBI has played a pivotal role in demonstrating how organizations, financial markets and regulatory frameworks can better incorporate social impact metrics alongside environmental considerations. Q. And finally, what's one tip you have for organizations starting their sustainable finance journey? A: Organizations should consider holistic KPIs for sustainable finance-including both environmental and social metrics such as employee health and well-being, community engagement, and end-user impact. These factors are not only crucial for a sustainable finance framework but also for long-term business success. (2, 3, 4) Download the UN Global Compact Network USA report: Driving Progress: Sustainable Finance for the Advancement of the SDGs. For more information on IWBI's role in sustainable finance, visit and access the WELL - Sustainable Finance Slide Deck. (1) International Finance Corporation, Social KPIs Matter: Setting Robust Indicators for Sustainability-Linked Finance, Washington D.C., 2023, "The Financial Impact of Healthy Buildings," MIT Media Lab, December 1, 2020, [ ](Brown, Martin, "Demonstrating the New Normal," Specifi, Tsai, H., Wu, Y., "Changes in Corporate Social Responsibility and Stock Performance," Journal of Business Ethics, 178, 735-755, 2022, Brown, Martin, "Demonstrating the New Normal," Specifi, View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) on Contact Info: Spokesperson: International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)Website: info@ SOURCE: International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Associated Press
26-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
IWBI Champions Social Sustainability in Sustainable Finance, Featured in UN Global Compact Network USA Report
A new report on sustainable finance developed by the United Nations Global Compact Network USA features the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), highlighting the critical role of social sustainability in driving financial strategies and investment decisions. The report, Driving Progress: Sustainable Finance for the Advancement of the SDGs, 'explores how American businesses leverage sustainable finance to address the world's most pressing challenges while generating competitive returns.' Examples from IWBI, along with other industry-leading companies like Citi and International Motors, showcase how businesses are embedding sustainability considerations into financial strategies to drive long-term value. IWBI case studies reflect its leadership in advancing people-first strategies and integrating health, well-being and equity considerations into financial decision-making, corporate governance and investment frameworks. We caught up with Minjia Yang, Vice President and Head of Sustainable Finance at IWBI, who recently joined leading finance and sustainability experts to help launch the report at GreenBiz 25 during the Driving Progress: Sustainable Finance for the Advancement of the SDGs event. Here's what she had to say about the growing role of people-centered strategies in sustainable finance. Q: What's the state of sustainable finance today, and how can sustainable finance align corporate objectives with social and environmental impact? A: Despite the rapid expansion of sustainable finance, social factors remain significantly underrepresented, accounting for just 23% of sustainability-linked financing since 2017.(1) At IWBI, we are working to change that by demonstrating how prioritizing human health, safety and well-being can drive measurable business and societal benefits. Sustainability-linked loans, bonds and other financial instruments can incorporate verified social sustainability strategies, such as those outlined in the WELL Building Standard (WELL), to enhance business performance and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are seeing firsthand how organizations and investors are increasingly leveraging third-party verified sustainability frameworks to enhance workforce well-being, strengthen impact measurement and improve organizational resilience. IWBI's inclusion in the UN Global Compact Network USA report further emphasizes that social sustainability is a critical piece of the finance puzzle. The report helps to validate the awareness that investments in people-centric strategies are essential to long-term financial resilience and impact. Research cited in the report shows that investments in healthier workplaces, fair labor practices and inclusive design strategies can drive financial returns by improving productivity, reducing absenteeism and enhancing employee retention. Q. What are your top three takeaways about the evolution of sustainable finance? A. The future of sustainable finance is about leadership. Companies have a choice: to lead or to follow. With 40+ sustainability taxonomies worldwide, global businesses can no longer afford to focus only on domestic regulations. Proactive action on sustainability regulation and finance is essential for long-term business resilience. Sustainability labels may evolve, but the core values remain. Labels, definitions and terminology in sustainability will continue to shift, but the fundamental principles that bring us together—building a responsible, resilient future—remain unchanged. True sustainability means both environmental and social resilience. Social sustainability strategies, like those found in the WELL Standard, are increasingly embedded in sustainable finance frameworks and corporate reporting globally, demonstrating the financial value of investing in people. Q: What's next on the horizon for IWBI's continued leadership in sustainable finance? A. As a global sustainability standards body with a dedicated focus on social sustainability, IWBI will continue to help shape international conversations on sustainable finance, responsible investment and corporate reporting. Through our work, we're providing a framework to integrate people-first sustainability strategies into financial instruments and corporate governance. In 2024, IWBI launched the Sustainable Finance Task Force, bringing together leading organizations—including UN Global Compact Network USA, World Economic Forum, Milken Institute, Aviva Investors, AON, Basis Investment Group, Aligned Climate Capital, GBCI and others—to accelerate the flow of capital and policy toward social sustainability. Building on this momentum, IWBI will publish a comprehensive special report on sustainable finance this year, featuring case studies from pioneering organizations worldwide. This new resource is designed to drive innovation and expand the adoption of holistic sustainability strategies in financing and investment activities across industries and global markets. In July of this year, we'll also host our second-ever Social Sustainability Summit in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to further explore sustainable finance strategies, the equitable transition to a low-carbon economy, global regulatory trends in sustainability and innovative approaches to enhance well-being for people and the planet. With WELL adoption spanning nearly 5.8 billion square feet across 136 countries as of January 2025, IWBI has played a pivotal role in demonstrating how organizations, financial markets and regulatory frameworks can better incorporate social impact metrics alongside environmental considerations. Q. And finally, what's one tip you have for organizations starting their sustainable finance journey? A: Organizations should consider holistic KPIs for sustainable finance—including both environmental and social metrics such as employee health and well-being, community engagement, and end-user impact. These factors are not only crucial for a sustainable finance framework but also for long-term business success. (2, 3, 4) Download the UN Global Compact Network USA report: .
