Latest news with #WELL
Leaders
13 hours ago
- Health
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia's Pavilion Receives Exclusive WELL Health-Safety Rating at Expo 2025 Osaka
Saudi Arabia's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has been awarded the prestigious WELL Health-Safety Rating, making it the only international pavilion to achieve this recognition so far. The certificate was formally presented during a ceremony at the pavilion, where Saudi Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Pavilion, Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, received the honor from Jack Noonan, Senior Vice President of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). Commitment to Sustainability, Excellence Dr. Binzagr noted that the WELL certification reflects the Kingdom's dedication to sustainable architecture and operational excellence. He highlighted that implementing WELL Building standards promotes employee well-being and enhances the overall visitor experience. The WELL Health-Safety Rating is part of the globally respected WELL Building Standard, which focuses on improving health and well-being in built environments. Grounded in scientific research, it evaluates spaces based on design features, operational procedures, and policies that support health, happiness, and productivity. The IWBI oversees this certification to ensure impartial assessment and validation. Pavilion Built for Future Designed by Foster + Partners and inspired by traditional Saudi villages, the pavilion integrates a range of sustainable features, such as renewable energy systems, low-carbon materials, and a modular façade with removable stone panels to reduce environmental impact. Achieving this certification underscores the pavilion's adherence to global benchmarks for temporary structures, particularly in areas that affect human health—including air and water quality, nutrition, lighting, physical activity, comfort, and mental well-being. Related Topics: CDF Explores Culture's Power to Inspire, Educate at Expo 2025 Osaka Culture Minister Inaugurates Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Saudi Arabia Launches Culture Week at Expo 2025 Osaka Saudi Pavilion Welcomes 1 mln Visitors at Expo 2025 Osaka Short link : Post Views: 6
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
WELL Health to Announce Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on August 14, 2025
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) (OTCQX: WHTCF) ('WELL' or the 'Company'), a digital healthcare company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients globally, is pleased to announce that the Company will release its Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 financial results for the period ended June 30, 2025, before the market opens on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The Company will hold a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss its results on the same day at 1:00 pm ET (10:00 am PT). The call will be hosted by Hamed Shahbazi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Eva Fong, Chief Financial Officer. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. Conference Call Participant Details Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT International Toll: 289-514-5100 North American Toll Free: 1-800-717-1738 To attend the webcast, register now or visit for details. WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP. Per: 'Hamed Shahbazi' Hamed Shahbazi Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director WELL Health Technologies Corp. About WELL Health Technologies Corp. WELL's mission is to tech-enable healthcare providers. We do this by developing the best technologies, services, and support available, which ensures healthcare providers are empowered to positively impact patient outcomes. WELL's comprehensive healthcare and digital platform includes extensive front and back-office management software applications that help physicians run and secure their practices. WELL's solutions enable more than 42,000 healthcare providers between the US and Canada and power the largest owned and operated healthcare ecosystem in Canada with more than 210 clinics supporting primary care, specialized care, and diagnostic services. In the United States, WELL's solutions are focused on specialized markets such as the gastrointestinal market, women's health, primary care, and mental health. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'WELL' and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol 'WHTCF'. To learn more about the Company, please visit:
Bangkok Post
20-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Phuket hotels go green in hunt for gold
Thai tourism is embracing sustainability as a core selling point for travellers, as the industry seeks to ensure its survival in a marketplace where such practices have become the "new normal". As more visitors opt for hotels and tourism operators equipped with sustainable standards, the key to success is seen as deriving from fact-based practices, governing policies and, more importantly, partnerships between operators and financial institutions which support business transformation. Phuket has become a role model where hoteliers are working closely with Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) to define a new chapter of sustainable tourism on the island. SUSTAINABLE FINANCE "At present, the tourism sector is the main engine that keeps the Thai economy hopeful," said SCB chief executive Kris Chantanotoke. Last year, the tourism sector generated over 2.6 trillion baht, roughly 14% of GDP. Phuket is among the country's leading tourism destinations, welcoming over 2.4 million foreign tourists during the first five months of this year, representing an 8% increase year-on-year, against a contraction nationwide. Scheduled to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Council 2026 conference next year, SCB has labelled Phuket as a pilot sustainable destination. This aligns with the government's plans to issue a new climate change bill, and the goal of the Department of Climate Change and Environment and its stakeholders that are aiming to certify 600 hotels in Phuket as Green Hotel Plus by next year. "No matter what happens, SCB will never leave Phuket," said Mr Kris, adding that SCB issues the most loans in the province. In the hospitality and service sectors, SCB holds the largest loan portfolio of 135 billion baht among all Thai banks. In Phuket, SCB's hotel loan portfolio is worth roughly 20 billion baht. Mr Kris said the bank helps clients tailor their sustainable strategies based on their needs, in order to "get the first button right." For instance, for clients who are starting to adopt sustainable practice, it could offer different consultations and products to help them become "less brown", or more environmentally friendly businesses, compared to operators who have been doing it for 10 years. Some may demand funds to improve their service to become more environmentally friendly, such as solar panel investment. "SCB is committed to supporting operators via loans with special interest rates," said Mr Kris. The bank offers financial products linked to clear and measurable targets, including sustainability-linked loans, green loans, and green bonds. These solutions support hoteliers' efforts to secure green building certifications, such as LEED, EDGE, WELL and TREES, as well as operational certifications, including Green Hotel Plus, EarthCheck, and Green Globe. Nationwide, SCB has issued sustainable loans and bonds totalling 180 billion baht since 2023, of which 80 billion baht went to the hospitality sector. Mr Kris said the growth was faster than the target of 150-billion-baht during its three-year plan between 2023-2025. BEYOND HOSPITALITY SCB's long-standing partners, Kata Group Resorts and Jee Teng Hospitality – leading hoteliers in Phuket – succeeded in implementing sustainable standards across their operations. "Sustainability is not a choice, but a matter of survival for tourism businesses," said Pramookpisitt Achariyachai, chairman of Kata Group Resorts Thailand and Beyond Hotels & Resorts. Kata Group operates nine hotels in four provinces in the South -- Phuket, Phangnga, Krabi, and Koh Samui, with over 2,200 rooms. Operating under the philosophy of "Beyond a good place is a better planet," the group achieved 57 sustainable-related awards, including the prestigious Travelife Gold across its six hotels. Mr Pramookpisitt said tourists are prioritising a sustainable vacation, particularly the European market, as witnessed from the past decade. He said travel agents are also selective as they only look for accommodation with certification and standards. Beyond Kata was the group's first property on the Kata beachfront with 275 rooms, and has been open for over 35 years. Upon arrival, guests can immediately notice the resort's open-air lobby and atrium design with a high ceiling, enabling the space to keep cool through natural ventilation. This allows the hotel to save electricity costs of over 145,000 baht per month, or 60 million baht over 30 years, he said. The resort adopts energy and water reduction, using solar panels, 100% LED lighting, auto-sensor balcony doors, and automation timer systems, as well as recycling water for gardens. Its waste management mechanisms include using in-house recycling stations, food composter machines, and reducing single-use plastics. Fruit waste is used to make bathroom amenities such as shampoo and lotion, while surplus food from buffet lines is given away to those in need via the Scholars of Sustenance foundation. The resort also highlighted sustainability across its procurement system, including employing local residents as 20% of staff. It also hires local contractors and sources products from local suppliers. To build community engagement, the hotel regularly hosts activities, such as beach cleaning, vegetarian festivals, and 60-minute lighting switch-off, fostering a collaborative relationship. According to Sajal Gaur, sustainability director at Kata Group, these energy, water and waste management solutions help the Beyond Kata hotel save over 1.1 million baht per month, compared to an average 600,000-baht monthly spend on facilities and staff training. DRIVEN BY GLOBAL CHAINS The 600-room Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort was opened during the pandemic. Owned by Jee Teng Hospitality, executive director Saharat Jivavisitnont leads the management with a passion for sustainable tourism. This property has been awarded three leaves, accredited by the Green Leaf Foundation. Last year, its occupancy rate was over 90%, with a gross operating profit margin of more than 50%. Mr Saharat said its successful performance has proven that practising sustainability can go hand-in-hand with ensuring elegant and high-quality services for guests. The hotel buys locally produced ingredients in Phuket, such as goat meat, seafood and cage-free eggs, helping to enrich the local economy, as well as growing its own vegetables in its garden. Its leftover food is distributed to the local communities, while surplus pineapple and fishbones are made into the hotel's signature "Pinefin Bliss" drink. The hotel provides regular sustainability training to its staff throughout the year, in order to ensure they realise how their work is meaningful and benefits the society, environment, and themselves. Under a management contract with Marriott, the global chain also provides hotel owners with the Marriott Environmental Sustainability Hub, a platform that helps plan their operations. During the first half of this year, the property reduced carbon emissions by 6.72% year-on-year, and reduced energy consumption by 6.82% year-on-year, saving over 2.1 million baht. Mr Saharat said a branded property allows easier implementation of sustainability under the brand's standard operating procedure, which is the same standard in Marriott properties worldwide, compared to independent hotels. Jee Teng is currently developing another hotel, the 600-room Sheraton Phuket Nai Harn Beach Resort & Spa, slated for 2028, under a 5-billion-baht investment. "This property has got the EDGE certification, meaning the sustainability aspects have been embedded since the design and construction process, such as building material selection," said Mr Saharat. A premium hotel with EDGE certification could cost more than 15-20% higher in investment, compared to uncertified hotels with the same service class, he said. This new hotel has been selected as a pilot project under the SCB sustainability programme. IMPROVING PHUKET As a vice-president of the Thai Hotels Association's southern chapter, Mr Saharat said that the association also provides training and seminars on sustainable operations to members, as well as small unlicensed hotels in Phuket, since only a few of them have received green certification. "More tourism operators are willing to transform their business to be sustainable," he said. "Sustainability does not necessarily require a huge budget, but can start with appropriate funding. The difference in investment between a hostel and a five-star hotel, or between 200-room and 600-room hotels, can be different due to revenue." Mr Pramookpisitt added that even though the private sector in Phuket is strong in driving tourism and sustainable practices, the province still requires support from the public sector in improving large-scale infrastructure. This includes accelerating road projects, or new waste management and water facilities. "The next chapter for Phuket undeniably requires close collaboration and planning between public and private sectors as there's a national agenda to make the province the regional tourism leader," said Mr Kris. He said the ongoing challenge is that the province's annual budget is still allocated based on permanent residents, but not including tourists and workers. Puhket requires a budget restructuring, aligned with the island's infrastructure, tourism plan, and capacity to prevent over-tourism. Mr Kris said that most green loans today are still concentrated in medium-sized and large operators, with little exposure to small businesses. During the past two years, SCB has consistently invested in education programmes for small and medium-sized operators. The bank communicates to them that these green practices are opportunities to help manage expenses and assist their employees and communities. In the long-run, SCB aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from internal operations by 2030, and net-zero emissions across all of its loan and investment portfolio by 2050. Its parent company, SCBX Group, is recognised as the first and only financial group in Thailand that sets its net-zero target via the Science Based Targets initiative. "In terms of sustainable loans in Thailand, there are still a few banks, including SCB, which are fully invested in this segment. I believe that this agenda will become even more important for all players in the future," Mr Kris concluded. An EV car charger at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Building operators rapidly adopt streamlined green, health building pathways
This story was originally published on Facilities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Facilities Dive newsletter. In June, the International WELL Building Institute, which provides certifications for health and well-being in buildings, announced that a streamlined pathway for projects pursuing both LEED and WELL certification has seen rapid uptake since being unveiled in April 2023. Total project space using the pathway more than tripled in less than two years, from 80 million to 250 million square feet, the organization says. The pathway is the result of a partnership between IWBI and the U.S. Green Building Council, which operates the building sustainability-focused LEED. It streamlines documentation for projects pursuing both certifications at the same time or that have already earned one of the certifications. More than 100 projects spanning 15 million square feet have achieved both LEED and WELL certifications using the pathway, reflecting a strong rise in global demand for the streamlined certification process, IWBI says. 'Better alignment between rating systems is critical to enabling building owners and project teams to pursue ambitious goals and demonstrate exceptional commitment and leadership in the built environment,' Peter Templeton, president and CEO of USGBC, said in a statement. That alignment is evidenced by LEED v5, the latest version of the green building certification. LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance, or O+M, which applies to existing building projects focused on operational improvements, has about a quarter of its 26 points dedicated to indoor environmental quality, a key component of occupant health and well being. The easier path to obtain certifications centered on health and well-being is in contrast to tougher requirements for obtaining the highest level of green certifications. The new LEED v5, for example, has increased the number of certification points allocated to carbon-cutting measures. 'LEED v5 puts greater focus on sustainable building operations, Annalise Dum, senior vice president of sustainability at JLL, said in an analysis. 'Credits for plans to improve performance, alongside new categories for resilience and human impact, indicate the shift towards longer-term, dynamic sustainability measures.' There was also a large push to add support for operations and maintenance staff, Kat Wagenschutz, director of existing buildings at USGBC, told Facilities Dive. 'We made some shifts as far as there's an operations assessment and policy, and we added a prerequisite for human impact,' said Wagenschutz. 'There's [also] a credit for ensuring worker safety and training. We're not just looking at resource efficiency. There is a strong health component that is reflected in O+M in the points weighting.' Market emphasis on operational performance is increasingly driven by the demands of corporate tenants who are seeking space that support their net-zero commitments, JLL says in its analysis. Measures needed to obtain certification under the newest versions of LEED, and other rating systems like BREEAM – a UK sustainability assessment certification – may increase upfront costs and technical complexity, JLL says. 'We wanted to define Platinum [the highest LEED level] not only by achieving 80 points, but that these projects are really leaders in the areas of decarbonization and energy efficiency. So you'll see that in the rating system,' Wagenschutz said. For example, both LEED and BREEAM award points for advanced, more expensive HVAC systems that can adapt to changing energy demands and reduce operational carbon emissions; they also recognize the use of more environmentally friendly construction materials with lower embodied carbon footprints, requiring organizations to 'rethink procurement strategies to source new equipment and materials,' JLL says. But the pay-off is substantial and must be considered alongside capital expenses at the onset of projects, JLL says. Recommended Reading The often-overlooked shelter from the storm: green buildings Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Politico
14-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
Disaster relief done — what next?
Presented by WELL, LOOK AT THAT: It wasn't exactly a unicorn, but something relatively uncommon happened last week — Congress enacted a narrow, uncontroversial tax provision. With good reason, too: The Senate cleared a bipartisan measure, H.R. 517 (119), by unanimous consent Thursday that would offer quicker relief from tax filing deadlines for those affected by natural disasters, in large part in response to the deadly flooding in Texas. In essence, the measure empowers the IRS to offer filing relief to taxpayers in areas where a state has declared an emergency. Until now, the agency could delay filing deadlines only for disasters declared by the federal government, which can take longer to materialize. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), one of the measure's sponsors, noted that only one county in Texas had received a federal declaration as of Thursday, while a state emergency had been proclaimed in more than 20 counties. The House had passed the measure unanimously in March, so the Senate's action last week sends it to President Donald Trump's desk. 'This bill will allow those impacted by a natural disaster to have certainty that tax filing deadlines will be extended earlier in the process, and sometimes before the disaster occurs, so they can focus on their safety,' said Mark Koziel, the president of the American Institute of CPAs. MORE ON THAT in a second, but first — welcome to a special Bastille Day version of Weekly Tax. Not with a bang, but with a…: Today marks 160 years since an English mountaineer named Edward Whymper led the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn, the Alps peak along the border of Italy and Switzerland. (The descent, meanwhile, was far less successful.) Help us reach new heights. Send your best tips and feedback. Email: bbecker@ bfaler@ and teckert@ You can also reach us on X at @berniebecker3, @tobyeckert, @brian_faler, @POLITICOPro and @Morning_Tax. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. LOOKING AHEAD: Outside events clearly prompted the quick congressional action on the natural disaster filing bill. But it's worth noting that's far from the only measure of its kind that lawmakers have looked at this year. In fact, Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the tax-writing panel, released draft legislation early this year that would make broad reforms in tax administration. Across the way, the House Ways and Means Committee has cleared a string of other proposals aimed at making life easier for taxpayers. All of that prompted some speculation that the two parties might be able to work together on sweeping tax administration legislation this year or next. We'll see about that. This Congress might only be about a quarter over, but it's unclear whether the bruised feelings over the GOP megabill will subside enough for any real bipartisan tax action in the coming months. Some key Republicans have talked up areas for potential cooperation on taxes. But there's also some chatter within the GOP about doing another partisan budget reconciliation measure — or maybe two — while they have full control, which likely wouldn't help the chances for a bipartisan tax package. NOT SO FAST! A nonprofit group is trying to stop a proposed settlement that would give churches an official OK to wade into political activity. Americans United for Separation of Church and State announced Friday that it had asked a federal court to allow it to defend what's known as the Johnson Amendment, which bars certain tax-exempt groups from endorsing candidates and other types of politicking. The group is seeking to intervene after the IRS and religious groups challenging the Johnson Amendment reached a settlement, as part of which the agency said that the decadeslong ban on weighing in on political campaigns didn't apply to churches. Essentially, the IRS also noted that it was just coming clean on a longstanding unwritten rule — that it had rarely enforced the Johnson Amendment when it came to religious groups. In many ways, that's more broadly true of how the agency has handled the ban on political activity for nonprofits. But AU, the separation of church and state group, argued that the Johnson Amendment 'protects the integrity of both our elections and nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship.' 'The Trump administration's radical reinterpretation of the Johnson Amendment is a flagrant, self-serving attack on church-state separation that threatens our democracy by favoring houses of worship over other nonprofits and inserting them into partisan politics,' added the group's president, Rachel Laser. Advocates for nonprofits have long worked to preserve the Johnson Amendment, making it a top lobbying priority for both the 2017 Trump tax cuts and the most recent megabill. Those groups argue that allowing churches and other nonprofits more leeway to be political will erode the nonpartisan mission of most organizations and how they're viewed by the public at-large. DOWN GOES THE DST: Brussels has prepared to ditch plans for a digital tax to help ease trade negotiations with the U.S., as our Gregorio Sorgi noted Friday. At least that was the plan: The European Commission's list of upcoming taxes isn't scheduled to be released until Wednesday, and the report about Brussels dropping its DST came before Trump threatened to bump up tariffs on the EU to 30 percent. In return, European leaders threatened their own 'proportionate countermeasures,' leaving the path forward decidedly unclear. But taking a step back: The EU's willingness to scrap its digital tax would be just the latest example of the U.S. getting its way without having to rely on Section 899, the so-called revenge tax that was dropped from the GOP megabill over concerns that it would impede foreign investment. (Worth noting: Brussels is also considering a broader tax on big companies that would also hit tech titans affected by a DST.) Canada discarded its digital tax a couple weeks ago, just hours before payments were due, as part of its trade negotiations with the U.S. And Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's agreement with the G7 to stop parts of the global tax deal from applying to the U.S. — most notably an undertaxed profits rule that allowed other countries to tax American companies that didn't meet minimum tax thresholds — paved the way for Republicans to drop Section 899 from the megabill. Next question, though: What's the broader impact of that G7 agreement on a global tax pact where around 140 countries signed on to the framework? Top officials at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which led negotiations on the agreement, have argued that the side deal strengthens the overall pact. But Mindy Herzfeld of Tax Notes isn't so sure, arguing that other countries might now seek their own carve-outs from the global tax deal, even if none of them has the same clout as the U.S. 'It remains uncertain whether the exceptionalism of the United States will hold at a time when its broader withdrawal from multilateral commitments has weakened the dollar and confidence in its systems,' Herzfeld wrote. Around the World Bloomberg: 'UK Wealth Tax Given 'Zero Chance' Amid Cash Crunch for Reeves.' Reuters: 'German upper house of parliament approves $54 billion corporate tax relief package.' Reuters, again: 'Ferrari Chair John Elkann settles inheritance tax dispute in Italy.' Around the Nation WEWS: 'Ohio GOP plans to override Gov. DeWine school vetoes in order to provide property tax relief.' KTOO: 'Bill requiring car rental apps to collect Alaska taxes avoids second veto.' Washington State Standard: 'Megabill's elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion.' Also Worth Your Time Wall Street Journal: 'Investors Get New Breaks on Capital-Gains Taxes in Trump Law.' Bloomberg: 'Trump Tax Law Quietly Takes Aim at Popular Perk: Office Snacks.' Tax Notes: 'Oversight of IRS AI and Data Analytics Faces Setback.' Did you know? Mountains in California, Colorado and Nevada have all been named after the Matterhorn.
