Latest news with #RachelHodgdon
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How CEOs Can Turn Return To Office Into A Competitive Advantage
If you want to spark sharp debates in business circles, mention return to office. Much to the frustration of many employees, the work-from-home arrangement is steadily fading into the background. There's merit to in-person work. But amid the policy battles, a bigger question is often overlooked: What are people actually returning to? Too many mandates rely on outdated management instincts. As Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO of the International WELL Building Institute, told me: 'I met with leaders in commercial real estate as the pandemic wound down, and almost every one of them looked the same—same gender, same race, same age bracket—and they all said the same thing: 'These butts need to get back in the seat.'' The assumption was apparent: If I can't see you, you're not working. That thinking ignores a fundamental shift. 'If you don't earn the commute, they're not going to show up,' Hodgdon said. Even with a mandate, you risk losing top talent to employers who prioritize flexibility, health, and purpose. It's not enough to fill chairs. The real question is whether those chairs are filled with people who are engaged, performing at their best, and choosing to be there. Offices As Untapped Performance Infrastructure The fixation on bringing people back often overshadows a bigger opportunity: treating the office as a system that actively improves performance, engagement, and well-being. Too frequently, leaders view workplace spaces as merely a cost center or static container for work, rather than recognizing them as a strategic asset for human capacity and long-term talent advantages. 'Ninety percent of our business costs are in our people,' Hodgdon said. 'So when we make investments in those people, it stands to reason we will see tremendous outcomes on the business side.' Environments designed with intentional attention to factors like circadian lighting, air quality, and ergonomics can measurably improve productivity, mental well-being, connectivity, and loyalty by reducing injuries and healthcare costs. The pandemic underscored this truth. The shift to home offices has forced employees to recognize how much their environment shapes their output, and leaders to confront the reality that productivity isn't just about hours worked. The organizations that will thrive aren't the ones enforcing attendance. They're the ones architecting environments that make people better at what they do. How To 'Earn the Commute' In the past, showing up to the office was expected. Today, it's a choice that employees weigh against the comfort, control, and autonomy of their homes. Hodgdon puts it: 'If you don't earn the commute, they're not going to show up.' Earning it means creating a workplace that delivers what home can't: connection, creativity, mentorship, purpose, and the resources to perform at the highest level. That starts with a holistic view. Hodgdon points to ten categories that directly influence how people feel, think, and work: air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community. These are levers that tie in with hard outcomes like productivity, retention, belonging, and engagement. 'First, leaders have to make the cognitive leap that the physical environment can improve human outcomes,' Hodgdon said. 'If they can't see that link, they won't see why it's worth the investment.' The next question: What does our environment signal to our people? Where does it help them, and where does it hinder them? Without that clarity, you risk filling seats through compliance instead of contribution, and further eroding loyalty in the process. Return To Office Isn't Enough. Here's How To Earn It. Earning the commute begins with knowing who you're designing it for. Demographics, generational expectations, and neurodiversity (one in six employees is neurodivergent, often without knowing it) should shape workplace strategy, amongst other factors. Without that understanding, even well-meaning initiatives will miss their mark. From there, measure relentlessly. Anonymous surveys can reveal actionable data on belonging, energy, turnover risk, and more. 'Like a doctor, I can't treat the disease if I don't know what I'm treating,' Hodgdon said. Then start small, but start now, as that can quickly signal that leadership is serious about contribution, not just compliance. In the end, return to office battles are often a proxy for a deeper leadership question: Are you designing for compliance, or contribution? Mandates can fill chairs. But only intentional design will attract people who choose to be there because the environment enables their best work. One path measures success by presence. The other measures it by performance and loyalty.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
IWBI's National Policy Summit Charts the Future of Healthy Buildings
In partnership with Georgetown University's Global Cities Initiative, IWBI and over a dozen supporting organizations—including AAFA, AIHA, ASHRAE, BOMA, Global Green, Green Building Initiative, Green Seal, ICC, IFMA, NEMA, NIBS and USGBC—spotlight policy as a catalyst for scaling healthy buildings and creating healthier communities Event features nearly 30 confirmed speakers—from a former U.S. Surgeon General, a distinguished member of Congress, an award-winning journalist, to top leaders from ASHRAE, GRESB, USGBC, JLL, UL Solutions, Brown University, Corvias, Aeroseal, Johns Hopkins University, Savills and Trane Technologies NEW YORKA, August 13, 2025 /3BL/ - The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), in partnership with Georgetown University's Global Cities Initiative, is proud to host its second annual Healthy Building Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., on September 29. This landmark, full-day event is dedicated to exploring the critical role of policy at all levels of government in transforming workplaces, buildings and cities to improve health, build resilience and foster thriving communities. 'Building on our momentum from last year's inaugural event, this year's Healthy Building Policy Summit dives deeper into critical areas — from indoor air quality to innovation and private sector leadership — showing how we are doubling down on the policies and partnerships that can turn every building into a force for well-being for everyone, everywhere,' said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. By convening a dynamic cross-section of policymakers, public health experts, private sector innovators, and government leaders, the Summit aims to accelerate bold ideas and actionable policies that advance health through the built environment. 'We're excited to host this policy summit at a moment when decisions on human health are being treated as a core performance metric for public and private places across the built environment,' said Uwe S. Brandes, Professor and Director of the Georgetown Global Cities Initiative, which is hosting the event at the McCourt School of Public Policy on its Capitol Campus. 'We'll be exploring how policy, planning, and investment decisions at all jurisdictional levels enhance and protect human health in our buildings and cities.' The Summit will focus on critical topics and timely issues impacting the built environment including indoor air quality, the evidence-based return on investment (ROI) of healthy buildings, as well as the influence of legislation on market transformation. Other key topics include access to healthy environments, the leadership role of cities and states, and the contribution of professional organizations and technical standards in advancing healthy building initiatives. An impressive lineup of nearly 30 speakers are confirmed, including: This year's Summit is supported by leading companies committed to advancing health in buildings. Principal sponsors include Trane Technologies, Aeroseal, UL Solutions and Attune, whose leadership and commitment help make the event possible. The event is also supported by Associate sponsors SafeTraces and Vogel Group, with Daikin serving as host for the Summit's evening reception. Lutron and WellStat are joining as WELL Summit Series Gold sponsors. 'We now know unequivocally that our buildings are foundational to our health, shaping how we live, work and connect. By positioning them to actively promote well-being, we can unlock a healthier future for everyone,' said Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States. 'The Healthy Building Policy Summit is a signature gathering where we can come together to explore the accelerants that will take these strategies to scale in communities across the country.' 'We have a chance to get ahead — to shape the future of our workplaces, buildings and communities through smart policy, effective programs and more strategic use of the vast public funds being directed into our buildings over the next decade,' said Jason Hartke, Executive Vice President, External Affairs and Global Advocacy, IWBI. 'The Healthy Building Policy Summit is the only national gathering dedicated to charting that future and shaping policies and priorities that will deliver on our ambitious healthy building agenda. I'm honored to be partnering with Georgetown and an extraordinary coalition of supporting organizations, industry leaders and media partners, showing that the strongest leadership comes through partnership.' 'Research is the bridge between what we know works for health and how we put it into practice,' said Whitney Austin Gray, Senior Vice President, Research, IWBI. 'We know that investing in health in the built environment delivers returns far beyond well-being, from stronger business performance to greater community resilience. The Policy Summit is a unique opportunity to showcase the evidence that makes the business case, equipping policymakers to shape the future of healthy building policy.' The event also includes several Supporting Organizations, including American Industrial Hygiene Association, ASHRAE, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, BOMA International, Global Green, Green Seal, International Codes Council, International Facilities Management Association, ISSA - Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, National Institute of Building Sciences, and U.S. Green Building Council. In addition, the Summit's Media Partners include BuildingGreen, FacilitiesNet and Buildings Magazine. What Our Supporters are Saying 'Advancing health in buildings is becoming a clear priority for organizations around the world,' said Scott Tew, Vice President, Sustainability and Managing Director, Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, Trane Technologies. 'We're proud to support the Healthy Building Policy Summit because it is moving this critical conversation forward and reshaping how we coalesce around policy solutions to ramp up building-scale interventions that improve health and well-being, boost productivity and strengthen our businesses.' 'Collectively, we have the technologies and scientific knowledge—many of them readily available and capable of transforming workplaces and organizations so they can better invest in their people,' said Sean McCrady, Vice President, Software and Advisory, UL Solutions. 'The Healthy Building Policy Summit provides an opportunity to break down barriers and build a future where healthy indoor spaces are the norm.' 'The Healthy Building Policy Summit gives us the opportunity to deliver high-performance building solutions in collaboration with stakeholders across the country,' said Trisha Miller, Vice President, Policy and Market Development, Aeroseal. 'Fortunately, we're seeing an important convergence where health, energy efficiency and building resilience are coming together, so we can support these shared priorities at once.' For more information and to register for the event, visit IWBI's Summit registration page. WELL's accelerating global reach reflects the growing momentum for policies that prioritize healthier spaces worldwide. Last month, global growth and adoption of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) surged to more than 6 billion square feet (557.4 million square meters) of real estate, demonstrating incredible market adoption spanning nearly 100,000 locations across 138 countries that are realizing the positive impacts of people-first places. About the International WELL Building Institute The 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. About Georgetown University's Global Cities Initiative The Georgetown Global Cities Initiative reaches across the entire University community to explore cross-cutting themes related to urbanization. Through this dialogue, Georgetown aims to align more than 60 faculty scholars and practitioners engaged in urban research who are not otherwise linked through their traditional academic disciplines. The Initiative matches Georgetown's international research networks with our civic role as a leading local anchor institution in Washington, DC. Research themes include social equity, rapid urbanization, city diplomacy; urban governance frameworks; social entrepreneurship; public health; technology, data and ethics; and changing environmental resources. We invite you to join us in dialogue as we engage one of the most important global trends in the 21st Century. Media Contacts: [email protected][email protected] View original content here. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
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.
Associated Press
18-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
2024 IWBI Awards Celebrate Global Corporate Champions for Health and Well-Being Achievements
Barclays, CBRE, Cisco, Citi Global, EDGE Technologies, Embassy REIT, Empire State Realty Trust, Enel, Genentech, GSK, KinderCare Learning Companies, JLL, Johnson Controls, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Lendlease, Sunrise Senior Living, T-Mobile and Uber among Award Recipients NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 /3BL/ - The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for advancing healthy buildings, organizations and communities, today announced the winners of the annual 2024 IWBI Organizational Awards. All in all, the organizations being honored by IWBI for demonstrating exceptional leadership and impact at scale account for more than one billion square feet of real estate engaged in the WELL program. Among the organizations being recognized this year are Global and Fortune 500 companies, including Citi Global, Enel, GSK and JPMorgan Chase & Co., as well as world-class real estate portfolios, including those led by Embassy REIT, Empire State Realty Trust and Lendlease. 'The WELL movement is propelled forward by visionary organizations from all across the world. This year's honorees have inspired us with the depth of their commitments to people-first places and a healthier world for all,' said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. 'We are humbled and grateful to each and every one of our award winners for their dedication and leadership.' Citi, one of several organizations that received multiple awards, has embraced innovative strategies to deploy WELL, such as widespread adoption of the WELL Health-Safety Rating, earning them the Health and Safety Leadership Award. 'What's most remarkable about the WELL Health-Safety Rating is that we earned it on a global scale. Citi encourages and enables people to live their best, healthiest lives and the WELL Health-Safety Rating supports that objective,' said Karinna Carrillo, Global Sustainability and Wellness Operations Analyst at Citi. 'The rating not only celebrates our long-term efforts, but also validates them through the research behind the WELL Building Standard. The research is also internationally based which supports our global workforce strategy.' The IWBI Organizational Award winners are as follows: Award recipients from around the world, spanning dozens of industries and sectors, highlight the surging global demand for WELL and its evidence-based strategies to enhance employee health, productivity and well-being. These leading companies and organizations are at the forefront of an incredible wave of WELL adoption, driving a tenfold increase over the past five years and now reaching nearly six billion total square feet of real estate worldwide. The majority of award recipients are leveraging WELL at scale, which enables organizations to measure and improve organizational health performance and the effect it has on the people who frequent these places and spaces day in and day out. The positive impacts driven by WELL at scale participants are steadily progressing year over year, with 20,000 locations enrolled in the program. Based on occupancy reported by WELL at scale participants, from 2023 to 2024 the number of people impacted by WELL strategies grew 72%, with WELL Certifications increasing by 42% during the same period. Platinum level certifications – the highest tier of WELL achievement – saw the most growth, rising by 73%. Across all of IWBI's thematic offerings, the WELL Equity Rating demonstrated particularly impressive uptake, with a nearly nine-fold increase from the previous year. Locations in Oceania achieved the highest average performance of any region globally as measured by their WELL Scores. Europe achieved the second highest average regional performance. Based in Australia, Lendlease's several awards include the Global WELL Regional Leadership Award (less than 50 locations), the Regional WELL Leadership Award (Oceania) and WELL Concept Leadership Awards for Sound, Nourishment, Materials, Mind, Community and Innovation. 'Lendlease is proud to be at the forefront of advancing health and well-being in the built environment. As the first portfolio globally to achieve a WELL Portfolio Score, we have demonstrated how WELL's evidence-based strategies can be leveraged at scale to create healthier, more sustainable workplaces,' said Vanessa Orth, Managing Director, Lendlease Investment Management Australia. 'IWBI's leadership in shaping global standards has been instrumental in this journey, and we value our collaboration in enhancing the health, productivity and experience of building occupants worldwide.' As leading brands increasingly use WELL to drive annual reporting performance, IWBI has recognized Investing in Health Award winners. These organizations are committed to elevating their WELL achievements, notably HB Reavis in sustainable finance, and Resorts World Sentosa in annual reporting. 'We are honoured to be recognised with the Sustainable Finance Award, which highlights the innovative ways we have integrated WELL standards into our sustainability-linked loans. By making the highest level of WELL Certification for new projects - and the maintenance of existing WELL Certified assets - a core KPI, we are firmly embedding health and well-being into our financial strategy,' said Abhishek Parmar, Head of Sustainable Development, HB Reavis. 'This recognition affirms our commitment to delivering tangible social and environmental benefits alongside strong financial performance, and we look forward to continuing to advance these goals in the years ahead.' These award-winning organizations will be recognized at WELL 2025, IWBI's global event series featuring regional summits in cities around the world. For more information about WELL, please visit Notes to Editors:The 2024 WELL at scale leaderboard and awards are based on data from the last completed review cycle of WELL at scale participants through December 31, 2024. Awards are available only to organizations or entities with five or more enrolled locations. 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.
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
